[Letter to Mr C C Desai]

Summary

This one-page letter dated March 31, 1970, describes a political crisis in Gujarat after the Speaker adjourned the Legislative Assembly immediately following passage of the Appropriation Bill, but before the Finance Bill could be considered. The writer argues that the adjournment exposes the government’s uncertainty about its majority and stability, and points to the failure of its candidate in the Rajya Sabha election despite an appeal for Scheduled Tribe support. The letter presents the proposed prorogation of the Assembly by the Governor as an attempt to avoid a floor test, which the writer calls the basis of democracy. The letter sharply criticizes Shri Narendra Desai’s leadership and contrasts the Congress party’s treatment of its own members with its earlier disciplinary action against the Prime Minister. It urges Adiwasi and Harijan voters to consider whether to remain with the old Congress or join the Swatantra and opposition parties, and predicts that public resentment in Ahmedabad will grow as the government is seen as increasingly dependent on business and industry. The page ends by warning that postponing the Assembly may delay, but cannot prevent, a test of democratic opinion.

Key points

• The Gujarat Assembly was adjourned after the Appropriation Bill passed but before the Finance Bill was considered. The writer interprets the episode as evidence that the government is unsure of its majority and stability. The proposed prorogation of the Assembly is criticized as an effort to avoid a floor test. The government’s failed Rajya Sabha election strategy is presented as evidence of weakening support. The letter attacks the ruling Congress leadership’s selective use of party discipline. Adiwasi and Harijan voters are urged to reconsider their relationship with the old Congress and the opposition.
• Reports from Ahmedabad are cited as evidence of rising resentment toward the government and its perceived dependence on industry.