ROLE OF ......................... INDIAN DEMOCRACY 101
of the British Parliament such as Miss Eleanor, Miss Ellen, Norman Angle and a few others, waited on Lord Sankey and pleaded for investing the Depressed Classes with franchise, and for removing their disabilities. Lord Sankey promised that in their proposed political set-up they would be placed with the other classes and masses of India. Some of the British papers, however were hostile to Dr. Ambedkar because he said, “I do not oppose the move for Dominion Status” * He said that he, too did not mind their indifference or opposition to his cause.
Dr. Ambedkar’s profound study, great industry and conquering intellect created a tremendous impression upon the delegates and the British statesmen. He inspired respect as well as hatred in different circles. The Indian Daily Mail reporter observed: “Dr. Ambedkar pointed out that he had a mandate to see that no responsible Government was established, unless it was at the same time, accompanied by a truly representative Government. He voiced a fear that the proposed form of Government would be one of the masses by the classes and his protest found much echoing sympathy in the Labour and Liberal Parties of Great Britain.”
After recording the reports of the different Sub- Committees, the Round Table Conference adjourned on January 19, 1931. This was followed by a debate on India in the House of Commons. During the course of the debate, one voice echoed the grievances of the Depressed Classes. It was Issac Foot who was a man of broader sympathies. Referring to the disabilities of the Untouchables, he said, “If we do not establish safeguards for their protection, their blood may cry out against us. If I had any advice to give to future Governors, it will be ‘Let your main concern be for these people.’ They may be defenceless now, but one day they will be strong. As there is justice upon the earth, there is no bank
- Dr. Ambedkar’s letter 19th December 1930.