This document is a letter dated October 15, 1958, from Naresh Bhowmick to an individual named “Comrade Hector.”
The letter recounts a significant event from July 27, 1958, when a deputation from the West Bengal State Socialist Party met with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and West Bengal Chief Minister Dr. B. C. Roy. The author details how they presented an “open letter” to PM Nehru which, upon being read, caused a tense reaction from Dr. Roy as it apparently called for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
While PM Nehru disagreed with the call for his resignation, he reportedly assured the deputation that the other issues raised in their memorandum would receive the government’s full attention. The author requests that this account be published in a periodical called ‘Maral’.
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Dear Comrade Hector, ASSED 15th October, 1958. Enclosed open letter was handed over to Mr. Nehru, Prime Minister of India by a deputation consisting of members Com. Satya- nanda Bhattacharya, Chairman and myself of the West Bengal State Socialist Party during Mr. Nehru's visit in Calcutta on last 27th July, 1958. Earlier, a public meeting was held at the foot of Ochter- lony Monoment (Maidan) which was addressed by Com, Bhola Chatterji, Manindra Ch. Paul, Shibaji Singh and Rabin Dutta. After the meeting a demonstration was taken out and marched at the gate of Governor house where 144 was in force. The demonstraters were barricaded by a strong police force. After squatting for an hour a message was sent by the Prime Minister that he will be pleased to meet a deputation at Governor House at 7 p.m. Accordingly myself along with Com. Satya nanda Bhattacharya, Chairman of the party met Prime Minister at 7-30 Pom, and handed over the open letter to him. At the meeting Dr. B C. Roy, Chief Minister of West Bengal was also present. After formal introduction I handed over the memorandum to Mr. Nehru. At this point Dr. Roy, raised some questions which were answered by us, Mr. Nehru was reading the letter with due attention. During discussions with Dr. Roy Mr. Nehru suddenly intervenned and said "well Dr. Roy these are not their demands, they demand my resignationfram from the stewardship of the country! Dr. Roy got up from his seat and in a angry xxa voice repeated the same thrice. Dr. Roy also requested Mr. Nehru to hand over the letter to him but Mr. Nehru kawałyxxxxxx again read it very loudly. At this point both of them are seemed to be very much disturbed and left with an impression that if the contents of the letter were known to them earlier, they should not accept this deputation on mere demonstration. Then Mr. Nehru got up and said xerxxmikalyx well I do not entirely agree with you so far my political role in international politics and my resignation are concerned but other points raised in your letter will receive best attention of the Government'. At this no ended (2) and we left the room. This is the story. Now I would request you to please accommodate the same in the next issue of 'Maral', I am also sending herewith two subscriber cards duly filled in. Both of them are professor of local college. I am also trying to enrol few more subscribers here, I am leaving for Agartala, capital of Tripura State by last week of October. I shall try to also enrol few subscribers there. Here one Mr. Amit Nag, correspondent of Amrita Bazar Patrika and a member of P.S.P. 1s very much interest to our stand. So please maintain regular contact with him and request him to enrol few more subscribers for theXXXXX 'Maral'. Rupees six as half-yearly subscription for two subscribers have been sent by M.O. Hope to hear you very soon. with best regards, Yours Sincerely, (Naresh Bhowmick) Encl: As stated.