[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

This one-page letter, dated 19 December 1963 and addressed to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”), discusses the Swatantra Party’s public position on Goa and the political relationship between Goan voters and the United Goans Party. The sender says that earlier efforts had been made to help the United Goans during the elections, with assistance from Rajaji and Minoo Masani, and describes subsequent discussions with Dr. Jack Siqueira about a possible operational basis for a merger.

The letter argues that the central concern of the United Goans was the aspiration of the Goan population for a separate state, while warning that the election result left the merger question vulnerable to decisions by the Central Government. It also refers to tensions described in “Swarajya,” including the impression among United Goans that the Swatantra Party had failed to honour its understanding. The sender reports that Siqueira viewed Rajaji’s statement as balanced but believed it conveyed surprise, disappointment, and anger.

Key points

• The letter revisits two earlier communications concerning Goa and the Swatantra Party’s public position on the issue.
• It records efforts by Rajaji, Minoo Masani, and others to assist the United Goans Party during the elections.
• The sender describes discussions with Dr. Jack Siqueira about an operational basis for a merger.
• It identifies the demand for Goa to become a separate state as the principal concern of the United Goans.
• It argues that the election result created uncertainty because the merger question was left to the Central Government.
• The letter cites tensions reported in “Swarajya” and the United Goans’ perception that the Swatantra Party had reneged on its understanding.