[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This one-page letter, dated 11 March 1971, is from Jairambhai Patel, then Minister for Home, Civil Supplies, Ports and Public Relations in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, to Minoo Masani. Patel acknowledges Masani’s letter of 3 March and expresses sorrow that the two would not meet soon, apparently because of an unsuccessful election result involving Rajkot. He accepts that there may be wider, nationwide explanations but says that, as far as Rajkot is concerned, those responsible must accept their share of responsibility.

Patel then places the setback within the demands of public life. He argues that public figures must endure reverses and take them as part of political work, while ending on a conciliatory note and expressing hope of seeing Masani in the near future.

Key points

• Jairambhai Patel replies to Minoo Masani’s letter of 3 March 1971.
• He expresses sorrow that the two will not meet soon.
• The letter refers to an unsuccessful election and to Rajkot specifically.
• Patel acknowledges that broader, nationwide causes may explain the result.
• He insists that those responsible in Rajkot cannot entirely escape responsibility.
• He presents electoral reverses as an unavoidable part of public life.
• The letter closes with cordial regards and hope for a future meeting.