ROLE OF ......................... INDIAN DEMOCRACY 157
A Statement issued after the interview says :—
The deputation consisting of Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Mr. Jayakar, Mr. Rajagopalachari, Babu Rajendra Prasad and Mr. G. D. Biria had a long interview with Mr. Gandhi this morning when they explained to him the scheme which had been evolved at yesterday’s consultations. The interview proved to be quite hopeful, but Mr. Gandhi reserved his final opinion until he had held further consultations in the matter with friends including Dr. Ambedkar and Mr. M. C. Rajah.
The deputationists are, therefore, staying behind at Poona for another day. Sir T. B. Sapru, with whom the scheme originated, was very hopeful that it would be acceptable to Mr. Gandhi and that thus a solution of the problem would be found. The deputationists found Mr. Gandhi well and quite cheerful.” [1]
“Dr. Ambedkar left by the midnight train.* On the same day Rajah and Malaviya, too, left Bombay for Poona.
On Thursday morning, i.e. on 22nd September 1932, Gandhi had a talk with Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Rajagopalachari and said he did not like that election to some of the reserved seats should be both by primary and secondary election system and to some only by Joint Electorates. He said the primary and secondary election system should be applied to all seats alike. This was related to Dr. Ambedkar at the National Hotel. Again the atmosphere became heated. Some of the leaders suggested that in the meanwhile they should send a cable to the British Premier requesting him to cancel the Separate Electorates for the Depressed Classes.” [2]
On the same day “at 9 A.M. Sir Tejbahadur Sapru and Bar. Jaikar met Dr. Ambedkar at National Hotel and apprised him about the above facts.” [3]
“But Dr. Ambedkar stoutly and pointedly told them that he would be prepared to lose separate electorates which the British Premier had invested them with, provided he was given a concrete
1 : The Times of India, dated 22nd September 1932.
2 :Keer,P. 210.
3 : Janta, 1st October 1932.
- Dr. Ambedkar was accompanied by Dr. Sotanki—Editors.