[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this one-page letter dated 24 October 1963, Piloo Mody thanks C. Rajagopalachari for writing about Goa and reports that the Bombay Committee has agreed to seek the Central Party’s permission for Bombay to help establish a Swatantra Party unit there. On the question of statehood, Mody says the Party should leave the decision open and allow the Goans to decide for themselves.

Key points

• Mody reports Bombay’s proposed role in helping establish a Swatantra Party unit in Goa.
• He recommends that the question of Goa’s statehood remain open for the Goans to decide.
• He argues that Goa’s political integration is more important than linguistic reorganisation alone.
• He says Goa’s long period under Portuguese rule makes rapid assimilation into India impractical.
• He advocates giving Goans an assurance that their distinct cultural pattern can be preserved within a socialist pattern of society.
• He contrasts Goa with Maharashtra and Mysore, where Congress has dominated for generations, and sees brighter prospects for political success in Goa.