10
REMOVE BASIS OF ‘SMRITI’ RELIGION
Nasik, November 28.
“Owing to the lowering of franchise the Caste Hindu masses will secure the real power under the new constitution but they are opposed to social reform. They will be extremely unwilling to change the existing custom and usage. My grievance is especially against them and not against the social reformers. Even the Congress candidates will not be able to win the elections if they declare that, if elected, they will enact legislation for abolishing Untouchability. I challenge the Congress to seek election on this mandate.”
The above is the gist of the interview between Dr. Ambedkar and the deputation, elected by the Nasik Progressive Hindus at a meeting held on October 26, 1935.
The Nasik Progressive Hindus have now issued an authoritative statement summarising the interview.
The deputation, says the statement consisting of five progressive Caste Hindus, headed by Mr. R. G. Pradhan, former M.L.C., waited upon Dr. Ambedkar at his residence on November 10 and the interview which lasted over three hours, was of a cordial, friendly and frank nature.
Progressives’ Views
At the outset, the deputationists placed before Dr. Ambedkar the following resolutions adopted by the Nasik Hindu Progressive Citizens in a conference presided over by Shri Shankaracharya (Dr. Kurtakoti). The resolution runs thus : (A) “The question regarding public temples, public places of pilgrimage and thirtas being extremely controversial and outside the sphere of immediate practical achievement, every possible effort should be made to bring about a change of public opinion with regard to that question. (B) Barring the above question except to the extent of bringing about a change of public opinion with regard to, continuance and unflinching efforts should be made both