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Congress was prepared to give two seats to the Scheduled Castes at that time. In the light of this it is certainly a matter of grave concern for the Scheduled Classes, whether they could co-operate with the new Interim Government sponsored by the Congress, when they know the Congress has done a glaring injustice to them. The Federation thinks that in view of the attitude now taken by the Congress in regard to representation to Scheduled Classes in the Executive Council this Government as constituted by the Viceroy is not entitled to claim either obedience or respect from the Scheduled Classes.”
“More surprising than this”, Dr. Ambedkar said, “is the acceptance by Mr. Jagjivan Ram of the offer made to him to join the Executive Council. When I sent a wire to the Prime Minister protesting against inadequacy of representation to the Scheduled Classes in the Executive Council, Mr. Jagjivan Ram himself issued a statement to the Press supporting the claim made by me on behalf of the Scheduled Classes for increased representation in the Executive Council. That, Mr. Jagjivan Ram should have accepted the invitation, notwithstanding the fact that the Congress has not agreed to increase representation to the Scheduled Classes, shows to what extent he can be expected to stand out for the rights of the Scheduled Classes. The occasion provides a very good test of the sincerity and honesty of men like Mr. Jagjivan Ram, who are inside the Congress and who are pretending they are representatives of the Scheduled Classes and can be depended upon to see that the Scheduled Classes are not let down by the Congress.”
Referring to the movement started by the Federation Dr. Ambedkar said that their fight for the achievement of their legitimate rights would continue. “We may be conquered, but we shall not capitulate,” he declared. [1]
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1 : Jai Bheem : dated September 16, 1946.