[A Message From Rajaji To The National Executive Meeting]

Summary

In this message dated 14 April 1971, C. Rajagopalachari responds to Minoo Masani’s account of the failed effort to create a consolidated democratic opposition to the ruling power in New Delhi. He argues that failure is not itself a disgrace and that the Swatantra Party’s duty remains to oppose totalitarian tendencies, defend the Constitution, and educate voters about the economic laws governing production and the dangers of voting for those in power regardless of merit.

Rajagopalachari rejects electoral opportunism and “me-too-ism” as a means of acquiring power, insisting that a party committed to truth and educating the electorate cannot imitate other parties. He acknowledges that the Swatantra Party may have to persist without immediate success, or even wind up, but presents its mission as preventing the nation from learning about totalitarian rule through catastrophe and suffering.

Key points

• Rajagopalachari responds to Minoo Masani’s account of the unsuccessful attempt to consolidate democratic opposition in New Delhi.
• He states that political failure is not a disgrace when the effort itself was a duty.
• He defines the Swatantra Party’s mission as resisting totalitarian tendencies and defending the Constitution.
• He calls for public education about the economic laws governing production.
• He criticizes the tendency of voters to support those in power irrespective of whether they deserve support.
• He rejects “me-too-ism” and electoral imitation as an improper route to political power.
• He argues that the party’s commitment to truth may require perseverance without immediate political success, or even eventual dissolution.