[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This two-page letter, written by K. C. Zacharias to Minoo Masani on 25 May 1968, responds to concerns about the conduct of the Kerala State Swatantra Party after the 1967 elections. Zacharias opposes what he describes as excessively strict discipline, arguing that party members should be treated as adults rather than pupils or slaves. He presents the party as a voluntary association whose unity depends on persuasion, mutual respect, and adherence to principles rather than coercion.

Zacharias also defends the party’s electoral record and its internal distribution of positions. He notes that the party received more than 200 votes in a relevant constituency while electing only a small number of representatives, and argues that the organisation must balance principle with expediency if it is to win power. He criticises what he sees as disruptive applications for party offices and recommends that vacancies be filled by people who are genuinely committed to the party. In the closing portion, he supports the continued membership of elected representatives who do not hold party office and reports making regular financial contributions to the central, district, and constituency committees.

Key points

• Zacharias writes from Badagara to Minoo Masani about party discipline and the condition of the Kerala State Swatantra Party.
• He argues that party members should be treated as equals and that coercive discipline risks breaking up the organisation.
• He distinguishes between the party’s principles and the electoral expediency required to build political power.
• He cites the party’s votes and seats in the 1967 election as evidence that electoral performance must be assessed realistically.
• He opposes disruptive or opportunistic applications for party offices and favours committed party workers.
• He supports retaining primary membership for elected representatives who do not hold office in the party.
• He records financial contributions to the central, district, and Badagara constituency committees.