152 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
“On Monday, September 20, 1932 at 12 O’clock noon Mahatma Gandhi started his fast unto death. A committee was formed to have negotiations in the matter. The committee consisted of Sir Tejbahadur Sapru, Bar. Jaikar. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Mathuradas Wasanji as representatives of the high Caste Hindus. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was invited for the meeting. In the Conference Sir Chunnilal put forward the following views on behalf of Mahatma Gandhi before the Committee members.
They were :
Mahatma Gandhi opposed to the decision of awarding Separate Electorates for the Untouchables.
He is not fully agreeable to the Joint Electorates as well as for the reserved seats. However, he would not object if the All Hindu Conference at Mumbai would take a specifice decision for the reserved seats but it would not mean that he necessarily agrees with it. If at all any fact is agreed upon he may probably give his consent.
Dr. Ambedkar rose to speak after listening the proposals of Mahatma Gandhi. His speech was really very forceful and touching to the heart. He said,
“Today in the negotiations in this difficult situation, I am in more strange position than all others. Unfortunately, in these peaceful negotiations I appear to be acting as villain for the protection of just demands of my people. I am willing to suffer to any extent in order to get fulfilled the just demands of my people.
I tell you I shall not deter from my pious duty, and betray the just and legitimate interests of my people even if you hang me on the nearest lamp-post in the street. The question faced today is not to be solved by succumbing to emotions, but by constitutional means as it involves the countless brethren who