z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-06.indd MK SJ+YS 21-9-2013/YS-8-11-2013 488
488 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
- If you cannot get the election on the terms proposed, you would prefer adult franchise ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes.
- Chairman: You have spoken of your strong preference for the representation of the depressed classes being secured by the method of election. Are you satisfied, supposing the method was the method of election, that the result would be that you will get elected those who were really the best spokesmen for the depressed classes ?
Dr. Ambedkar: I believe so.
- You do not feel anxious that influences which were really against the interests of the depressed classes will get to work ?
Dr. Ambedkar: I admit that and that is why I want adult suffrage.
- You think that the influence will cease because of the adult suffrage ?
Dr. Ambedkar: That will be counterbalanced.
- Supposing that a member of the depressed classes has the necessary qualification, does he vote in a general constituency ?
Dr. Ambedkar: He does.
- Taking your case you will have a qualification to vote in some general constituency ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes ; I vote for the University constituency as also my friend.
- How does the position stand about the paying of taxes ? A suggestion was made that depressed classes do not pay the taxes. Of course, it follows that, as regards the Customs duties and other indirect taxes which may raise the price of the articles, I suppose the depressed classes will have to pay the increased price like anybody else ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes. Also the depressed class men, particularly the Mahar community, is always in possession of some land of ordinary tenure or watan tenure at any rate, and they pay what is called the judi, that is the assessment, as anybody else.
- I suppose that a good many Mahars follow the occupation of waiters in private service ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes, very few. But they mainly work in industries in the cities.
- Take, for instance, a European private house or a club, they employ Mahars ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes.
- Are those people qualified to vote in a general constituency or not?
Dr. Ambedkar: That will depend on the pitch of franchise.
- As a rule the waiters would not have any qualification ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes, under the existing circumstances.
- Sardar Mujumdar: Are you aware that saints from the depressed