[Letter to Sardar Basant Singh]

Summary

In this letter dated 9 October 1959, M. R. Masani replies to Sardar Basant Singh’s invitation to participate in the Swatantra Party’s Punjab convention on 25 October. Masani explains that a prior commitment in Bombay may prevent him from making a contribution, although he will try to adjust his plans and asks that his attendance not yet be counted as certain.

Masani nevertheless expresses confidence in the convention’s prospects, noting that K. M. Munshi will inaugurate it and Professor Ranga will preside. He offers to visit Punjab during a later parliamentary session if he cannot attend, and passes on S. P. Khanna’s request for information about joining the Party, mentioning Khanna’s international-conference experience as a potential asset.

Key points

• Masani responds to an invitation to attend the Punjab Party convention scheduled for 25 October 1959.
• A prior commitment in Bombay makes his attendance and participation uncertain.
• He asks Basant Singh not to count on his attendance until he can confirm it approximately a week before the convention.
• Masani predicts success for the convention under the inaugurating and presiding roles of K. M. Munshi and Professor Ranga.
• He offers to visit Punjab during a future parliamentary session if he cannot attend the convention.
• He forwards S. P. Khanna’s inquiry about joining the Swatantra Party and recommends him as a potentially useful member.