| Great Leaders |
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| Biographies of Great Indians & Hindus |
Dr.B.R.AMBEDKAR |
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| The
Mahatma’s FastGandhiji felt that separate
electrorates would only separate the Harijans from the Hindus. The very thought that the
Hindu would be devided pained him much. He started a fast against separate electorates. He
said he would fast unto death in necessary.
There was anxiety in the country because of Gandhiji’s fast. Many Congress leaders went to Ambedkar to save Gandhiji. "Muslims, Christians and Sikhs have obtained the right of separate electorates. Gandhiji did not fast to oppose them. Why should Gandhiji fast to oppose Harijans getting separate electorates?" questioned Ambedkar. "If you are unwilling to give the ‘untouchables’ separate electorates, what other solution is there? It is essential to save Gandhiji. But just to save him I am not prepared to give up the interests of the backward classes," he declared. He said, reserve a larger number of seats for the untouchables’ than the British have given; then I will give up the claim for separate electorates." At last there was an agreement between the leaders who had gone for a compromise and Ambedkar. It was decided that ten per cent of the seats in the legislatures should be reserved for the Harijans. Ambedkar gave up the claim for separate electorates. Gandhiji ended his fast. This famous treaty is called the Poona Treaty was another important step in the struggle of the backward people |
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