[Letter to Kripalani]

Summary

In this letter dated July 4, 1963, M. R. Masani responds to Jayaprakash Narayan’s public comments about a proposed meeting of political figures. Masani stresses that he had suggested only an informal gathering of friends, not a fixed party meeting, and questions why Narayan went to the press after informing him of his objections. He also challenges the idea that only J. N. could convene a discussion of the national situation, arguing that other public figures had the right to review it collectively.

Masani recalls Narayan’s 1957 advocacy of bringing opposition parties together, including the Communists, and explains that the proposed minimum programme arose from discussions with C. Rajagopalachari at Rajkot and from the Unity Conference. He distinguishes cooperation on specific issues from a common electoral opposition capable of putting forward a single candidate against Congress. By the second page, he says that both the proposed meeting and the minimum programme must be abandoned for the time being, while urging the recipient to help address Girdhari’s continuing difficulties. The complete two-page letter is visible here.

Key points

• Masani disputes Jayaprakash Narayan’s public characterization of a proposed meeting.
• He defends the right of public figures other than J. N. to review a critical national situation.
• He recalls Narayan’s earlier support for bringing opposition parties, including the Communists, together.
• The minimum programme was connected to discussions with C. Rajagopalachari and the Unity Conference.
• Masani distinguishes issue-based cooperation from a unified opposition electoral strategy.
• He says both the proposed meeting and minimum programme must be abandoned temporarily.
• He asks the recipient to help salvage what can be salvaged from Girdhari’s difficulties.