[Letter From Mr Battu Singh Verma]

Summary

This letter, dated 4 April 1971 and addressed to the General Secretary, responds to Minoo Masani’s resignation from the party. Battu Singh Verma initially describes the news as shocking, but argues that the party president should not abandon his post under pressure or permit temporary defeat to undermine his judgment. He urges party members to support Masani, preserve discipline, and avoid publicly blaming him for the party’s difficulties.

Verma also presents Masani as a widely respected national political figure whose opponents themselves acknowledge his sincerity and service. He suggests that political circumstances may soon change, portrays the current setback as temporary, and criticises the idea that Masani’s wife’s association with the opposition should affect his political position. The letter closes with confidence that the party’s majority still supports Masani and that the present defeat will pass.

Key points

• The letter reacts to Minoo Masani’s reported resignation from the party.
• Verma argues that Masani should not leave office because of temporary political pressure or defeat.
• It calls for party members to support the president rather than blame him publicly.
• Masani is described as respected even by political opponents and as committed to national uplift.
• The letter treats the party’s setback as temporary and anticipates a rapid change in political circumstances.
• Verma rejects the relevance of Masani’s wife’s political affiliation to his own political responsibilities.