162 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
“It was now four in the evening. News came in that Gandhi’s health had taken a serious turn, and he was fast losing strength. Gandhi’s son, Devdas Gandhi, with tears in his eyes, described the condition of his father to Dr. Ambedkar and entreated him not to hold over the agreement by pressing for a referendum. At last it was decided to refer this matter to Gandhi. Ambedkar with selected leaders saw Gandhi in the jail at nine o’clock that night. Gandhi approved of the idea of referendum, but said it should take place after five years. Gandhi’s voice had now sunk to a whisper. The Jail Doctors intervened and stopped further conversation. The leaves of the mango tree above refused to move. It was a breathless silence. The visitors had to return. Dr. Ambedkar was not prepared to give up his point. His will-power was on the strain. Letters threatening his life came in showers.” [1]
Here is one such letter :
“Dr. Ambedkar,
If you do not accept to Mahatma Gandhi’s demand within four days, your life will be in danger. If you want to save your life, you should accept Gandhiji’s demand and help ending his fast immediately. This is a warning to you. If you do not give up your vehemence, you will be killed.”
Signed by Haribhai K. Bhat, A member and worker of BPEE” [2]
Murderous looks were cast at him in the street, and some of the leaders insanely reviled him behind his back.”
Further, a secret plan to kill Dr. Ambedkar by some youth from touchable classes of Poona was reported by ‘Janata’ (24-9-32, P. 8), thus:
“Dr. Ambedkar’s life in danger !
Secret Meeting of Poona students Murder threat”
Poona, Dt. 23-9-32, 8 P. M.
1 :Keer,P.213.
2 : Janata, dated 1st October 1932.