z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-09.indd MK SJ+DK 21-9-2013 729
EVIDENCE : DR. B. S. MOONJE AND OTHERS 729
Mr. J. Bannerjee: Very possibly. I do not know ; I have no personal knowledge.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: I want to read to you a resolution that was passed at this Bengal Provincial Hindu Conference, published in “Liberty” of the 19th September, 1932 : “This Conference appeals to the so-called Depressed Classes not to demand representation on the basis of separate electorates in the coming Constitution, and affirms its adherence to the Raja Moonje Pact and its readiness to concede representation to the Depressed Classes according to their population strength through joint electorate even if it means surrender to them of the majority of seats allotted to the Hindus ?
Dr. Moonje: May I reply to that question ? The resolution was passed. We stick to it, and my friend Mr. Chatterjee had made a sporting offer to Dr. Ambedkar. Is he prepared to see what his number would be according to the population basis, the Depressed Classes being defined as untouchables and unapproachables ? We art prepared to make this sporting offer to Dr. Ambedkar, and let the whole question be decided in Bengal and the Punjab as to what is the number of the Depressed Classes according to the definition that the Depressed Classes member is one who is untouchable or unapproachable. We make the sporting offer.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: I do not want to make the fate of my people the sport of party politics and I am afraid I cannot accept that offer.
†9269. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: May I put a supplementary question ? Do I understand that you include the depressed classes also in your Hindu Mahasabha ? Do you claim to represent them ?
Dr. Moonje: My contention is that I represent also the depressed classes and my friend, Mr. Gavai, who is sitting by my side, is a representative of the Depressed Classes on the deputation of Hindu Mahasabha and it has never been proved whether I represent the majority or whether Mr. Gavai represents the majority among the Depressed Classes.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: That is a different matter. I want to know, do you represent the depressed classes ?
Dr. Moonje: I represent the majority portion of the depressed classes also.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: As far as I am concerned I absolutely disagree with that position. What does Mr. Gavai have to say ? I still repeat the fact that the Depressed Classes do not belong to the organisation that Dr. Moonje represents so far as his memorandum is concerned. I know as a matter of fact that the Hindus of the Punjab have repudiated it ?
Dr. Moonje: What?
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: That part of your memorandum No. 57 has been repudiated by the depressed classes of the Punjab.
†Minutes of Evidence, Vol. 11-C, 31st July 1933, p. 1466.