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* Statement of Dr. Ambedkar on the Cripps Proposals
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : M.L.A., Leader of the Depressed Classes in a Statement to the Press, said :—
“The War cabinet’s proposals show a sudden volte face on the part of His Majesty’s Government. The putting forth of these proposals, which were denounced by them as an invasion of minority rights, is an indication of their complete surrender of right to win might. This is Munich mentality, the essence of which is to save oneself by sacrificing others, and it is this mentality which is writ large on these proposals. It is reported that the American and English people are annoyed at Indians not welcoming the proposals, of His Majesty’s Government relating to the constitutional advancement of India and thereby allowing the mission of Sir Stafford Cripps to fail. One can forgive the Americans for their attitude, but surely the English people and Sir Stafford Cripps ought to know better. It does not seem to have been sufficiently realised that the proposals of His Majesty’s Government now put forth as the best are the very proposals which have been rejected and condemned by His Majesty’s Government as the worst only a few months previously. Those who realise this cannot but help saying that this is the ugliest part of the whole business of constitutional advance, which His Majesty’s Government is now rushing to undertake. The proposals fall into three parts :—
(1) There is to be a Constitutent Assembly with a right to frame the constitution for India. This Assembly is to have the fullest power to frame such constitution as the majority in the Assembly may choose to decide.
*Report of the Depressed Class Conferences, held on July 18, 19 and 20, 1942, Nagpur Session, pp. 100-06.