ROLE OF ......................... INDIAN DEMOCRACY 65
Non-Brahmin institution and the Dravida Mahajana Sabha, but not to the Depressed Classes Institute led by Dr. Ambedkar or for that matter any Depressed Class Institution. It may be recalled that ten years before this Dr. Ambedkar had given evidence before the Southborough Commission.
To co-operate with the Simon Commission the Central Government appointed a Committee for all British India, and every Legislative Council elected its Provincial Committee to work with the Simon Commission. On the Bombay Provincial Committee was selected Dr. Ambedkar along with other Members by the Bombay Legislative Council on August 3, 1928.
The proceedings and tours of the Simon Commission lit up the Indian political firmament, and along with other forces it brought to the front the force, intellect and vitality of Dr. Ambedkar.
Eighteen Depressed Class Associations gave evidence before the Commission and placed their memorandum before it. Sixteen of them pleaded for Separate Electorates for the Depressed Classes. On behalf of the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha Dr. Ambedkar submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission demanding Joint Electorate with reservation of seats for the Depressed Classes.*
The Madras Central Adi-Dravida Mahajana Sabha demanded nomination for the Depressed Classes. The Bombay Provincial Non-Brahmin Party in its memorandum recommended Separate Electorate and reserved seats for the Depressed Classes. The Muslim League reiterated its demands for separation of Sind, creation of a new Province in the N. W. F., Separate Elecrorate for Muslims and residuary power for the Provinces in the federal constitution.
On October 23, 1928, the Simon Commission, the Central Committee and the Bombay Provincial Committee examined Dr. Ambedkar in Poona.** The British Labour leader, Major Atlee,
*See Writings and Speeches, Vol. 2. Pp. 429, 458.
** Ibid, Pp. 459-89.