[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This two-page letter, dated April 3, 1970, from S. V. Raju of the Swatantra Party’s national headquarters to Minoo Masani, reports on preparations for a party response to C. C. Desai. Raju says he has consulted Dr. Cooper and Mr. Dandekar and outlines how National Headquarters’ comments, the National Executive’s note, and C. C. Desai’s explanation should be circulated to the party’s MLAs in Gujarat and to MPs. He also recommends inviting members of the State Parliamentary Board to the discussion.

The letter proposes a short resolution declaring Desai’s explanation unacceptable and expelling him from the party for indiscipline and disloyalty. It further advises preparing a summary of the charge sheet and comments for the press, ensuring that H. M. Patel can participate if necessary, and dispatching the material to MLAs and MPs. A handwritten postscript adds logistical instructions concerning telegrams, telephone calls, and the timing of the meeting.

Key points

• S. V. Raju reports consultations with Dr. Cooper and Mr. Dandekar about the party’s response to C. C. Desai.
• The letter proposes circulating National Headquarters’ comments and Desai’s explanation to Gujarat MLAs and to MPs.
• It recommends inviting members of the State Parliamentary Board when Desai’s matter is discussed.
• Raju describes a proposed resolution finding Desai’s explanation unacceptable and expelling him for indiscipline and disloyalty.
• The party should prepare a charge-sheet summary and comments so that it can respond publicly if Desai approaches the press.
• H. M. Patel’s participation in the proceedings is discussed, as is the dispatch of materials on April 8.
• The handwritten postscript records further arrangements involving telegrams, telephone calls, and the scheduling of the meeting.