ROLE OF ......................... INDIAN DEMOCRACY 169
Immediately the contents of the Pact were cabled to the British Cabinet, wired to the Viceroy, and also handed over to the Secretary of the Bombay Governor by each party separately, and next morning the leaders returned to Bombay to ratify the Pact. At 2 p. m. the leaders held a meeting at the Indian Merchants’ Chamber Hall.” [1]
While reporting the meeting called for confirmation of Poona Pact, “The Bombay Chronicle” wrote, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was in chair. He, in his speech thanked all those who helped in materialising the Poona Pact. He specially thanked Dr. Ambedkar without whose help emergence of Poona Pact would have been difficult. Now the entire responsibility is on the shoulders of Hindus to bring the pact in practice.
Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Sjt. Rajgopalachari spoke on this occasion. Mr. Mathuradas, Vissonji Khimji moved the resolution.
Mr. Mathuradas Vissonji Khimji moved the resolution ratifying the Poona Pact.” [2]
At this meeting the following resolution was passed :—
“This Conference confirms the Poona agreement arrived at between the leaders of the Caste Hindus and Depressed Classes on September 24, 1932, and trusts that the British Government will withdraw its decision creating Separate Electorates within the Hindu Community and accept the agreement in full. The Conference urges that immediate action be taken by Government so as to enable Mahatma Gandhi to break his fast within the terms of his vow and before it is too late. The Conference appeals to the leaders of the communities concerned to realize the implications of the agreement and of this resolution and to make earnest endeavour to fulfil them.
“This Conference resolves that henceforth, amongst Hindus, no one shall be regarded as an Untouchable by reason of his birth, and that those who have been so regarded hitherto will have the same right as other Hindus in regard to the use of public wells, public schools, public roads, and all other public
1 : Keer, P. 214.
2 : The Bombay Chronicle, dated 26th September 1932.