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EXCLUSION OF DEPRESSED CLASSES FROM VICEROY’S COUNCIL AS AN OUTRAGE AND BREACH OF FAITH
Bombay, Thursday*
“Depressed Classes regard their exclusion from the Viceroy’s reconstituted Council as an outrage and breach of faith,” says Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Leader of the Depressed Classes in a cable addressed to the Secretary to State for India, Mr. L. S. Amery.
The cable adds: “Your flouting of 60 million Depressed Classes altogether and giving 43 per cent representation to Muslims, which is nearly equal to that of Hindus, is astounding. Government appears to have been mortgaged to some communities only.
After solemnly recognising the Depressed Classes as an important distinct element in the Indian national life after insisting that their consent to constitutional changes is essential after exploiting their co-operation in war, their exclusion from the Council bespeaks of want of good faith on your part.
Protesting in the interest and name of the Depressed Classes, personally I have never asked, depended or had support from the British. I can do without it in future. You are absolutely free in your choice.
I want justice for the Depressed Classes. I warn you that the Depressed Classes are not prepared to surrender their right to representation in the Council. I strongly urge you to recognise the same. Adding one member to the Council cannot hurt.”
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The Free Press Journal: dated 1st August 1941.
*31st July 1941.