140 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
convened in Bombay today to persuade the representative of the “Depressed Classes” to give up the scheme of Separate Electorates and save Mahatma Gandhi’s life has caused considerable speculation in the city.
The Doctor left for Poona in the morning and after a long conversation with the Governor of Bombay returned to Bombay in the evening.
“Will you attend tomorrow’s Conference ?” asked our representative.
To this question Dr. Ambedkar stated that beyond the telegraphic communication that he had received from Pandit Malaviya he had received no formal invitation for the Conference up to now but if he received an invitation he would by all means attend the Conference.
In a statement, issued in the evening Sunday the 11th September 1932, Dr. Ambedkar reiterates his conviction that Separate Electorates are in the interests of “Depressed Classes” and repeats that Mahatma Gandhi must first put forward his proposals to enable the Doctor then to play his own cards.” [1]
“I do not care these political stunts.” declared Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
“This threat of Mr. Gandhi.” he continued, “to starve himself to death is not a moral fight but only a political move. I can understand a person trying to negotiate with his political opponent on equal terms by giving him credit for honesty, but I will never be moved by these methods.”
“My decision stands and if Mr. Gandhi wants to fight with his life for the interests of the Hindu Community the Depressed Classes also will be forced to fight with their lives to safeguard their interests.
In reference to the view expressed by Mr. M. C. Rajah, that if Dr. Ambedkar would agree to give up his demand for Separate Electorates and accepted Joint Electorates with reservation of seats the situation could be saved. Dr. Ambedkar said that he would not agree to it.” [2]
Mr. Gandhi wrote a letter addressed to the Government of Bombay on 15th September 1932 showing the reasons as to why he had
1 : The Bombay Chronicle dated 11th September 1932. (Issue may be of
12th September 1932.—Editors.)
2 : The Bombay Chronicle, dated 14th September 1932.