Ambedkar realised that the problem of caste would only be further entrenched unless Untouchables were able to organise, mobilise and become a political constituency with their own representatives, while arguing for "Separate Electorate"
He believed that reserved seats for Untouchables within the Hindu fold, or within the Congress, would just produce pliable candidates—servants who knew how to please their masters.
The right of representation and the right to hold office under the State are the two most important rights that make up citizenship. But the untouchability of the untouchables puts these rights far beyond their reach. In a few places they do not even possess such insignificant
rights as personal liberty and personal security, and equality before law is not always assured to them.
These are the interests of the Untouchables. And as can be easily seen they can be represented by the Untouchables alone
These are the interests of the Untouchables. And as can be easily seen they can be represented by the Untouchables alone
They are distinctively their own interests & none else can truly voice them … Hence it is evident dt we must find Untouchables to rep their grievances which are their interests and, 2ly, we must find them in such numbers as will constitute a force sufficient to claim redress.
At RTC, Gandhi and Ambedkar clashed, Gandhi eventually agreed to separate electorates for Muslims and Sikhs, but not for untouchable, British govt later awarded the Untouchables a separate electorate.
Gandhi announced he would fast to death to deny them separate electorate.
Gandhi announced he would fast to death to deny them separate electorate.
Gandhi announced he would fast to death to deny them separate electorate.
Several Untouchable leaders feared that Ambedkar would be held responsible if Gandhi succumbed to his fast, and this in turn,could put the lives of ordinary Untouchables in danger.
Several Untouchable leaders feared that Ambedkar would be held responsible if Gandhi succumbed to his fast, and this in turn,could put the lives of ordinary Untouchables in danger.
What could Ambedkar do? He tried to hold out with his usual arsenal of logic and reason, but the situation was way beyond all that. He didn’t stand a chance. After forced to sign poona act which gave reserved seats instead of separate electorates.
Later Ambedkar said wrote:-
"There was nothing noble in the fast. It was a foul and filthy act… was the worst form of
coercion against a helpless people to give up the constitutional safeguards of which they had become possessed under the PM's Award and agree to live on the
"There was nothing noble in the fast. It was a foul and filthy act… was the worst form of
coercion against a helpless people to give up the constitutional safeguards of which they had become possessed under the PM's Award and agree to live on the
mercy of the Hindus.It was a vile and wicked act. How can the Untouchables regard such a man as honest and sincere".
Uncle Tom won the day. Gandhi & Conress saw to it that leadership remained in the hands of the privileged castes.
Uncle Tom won the day. Gandhi & Conress saw to it that leadership remained in the hands of the privileged castes.
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