[Letter to Dahyabhai V Patel]

Summary

This one-page letter, dated May 17, 1974, is from M. R. Masani to D. B. Patel, Joint Secretary of the Swatantra Party in Surat. Masani apologizes for the delayed reply and says that he shares Patel’s feelings about recent events affecting the Party.

Masani states that he understands a meeting of the Party’s General Council is expected in early June and proposes attending so that they can discuss the situation. He clearly opposes dissolving the Swatantra Party and joining with the other political group whose office-bearers are reportedly discussing such a move. The letter records a moment of internal political uncertainty and Masani’s resistance to the Party’s proposed dissolution.

Key points

• The letter is dated May 17, 1974, and is addressed to D. B. Patel in Surat.
• Masani apologizes for the delay in replying to Patel’s March 25 letter.
• He expresses sympathy with Patel’s feelings about what has happened to the Swatantra Party.
• He expects a General Council meeting in early June and proposes attending it.
• He opposes dissolving the Swatantra Party and merging with another political group.
• The letter documents internal disagreement over the Party’s future.