Message from Mr. M.R. Masani, President of the Swatantra Party

Summary

In this message to the Fifth Convention of CITU, M. R. Masani commends the organisation’s effort to develop a worker-led labour movement in India. He describes the task as difficult and frustrating, but necessary if Indian trade unions are to develop the strength and independence associated with unions in the United States and Western Europe. He also welcomes a genuine labour lobby and its representatives in Parliament, while distinguishing them from politicians posing as labour leaders for personal or party advantage.

Masani closes by wishing the convention success in its undertaking. The clearly legible page presents the message in his capacity as President of the Swatantra Party; the second rendered page appears to be a faint handwritten copy or draft and could not be read reliably. No date, recipient, place, or publisher is visible.

Key points

• Masani supports CITU’s effort to build a worker-led labour movement.
• He characterises the development of independent trade-union strength as difficult but necessary.
• He points to the United States and Western Europe as examples of strong trade-union organisation.
• He welcomes a genuine labour lobby and genuine labour representatives in Parliament.
• He criticises politicians who present themselves as labour leaders while exploiting labour and trade unions for personal or party ends.
• The message concludes with good wishes for the Fifth Convention of CITU.