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INDIANS DESTINY IS BOUND UP WITH THE VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY
“No one can expect consistency from Mr. Gandhi. But everybody did and had a right to expect a sense of responsibility from him. There can be no doubt that, Mr. Gandhi’s present move to launch a mass movement is both irresponsible and insane,” observed the Hon. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Labour Member, Government of India, to a representative of “ The Times of India,” prior to his departure to Delhi on Monday evening.*
Why does Mr. Gandhi not try the other method, namely, bringing about unity among all parties ? Why does he not call a conference of leaders of all the different parties to find out their demands and settle if there is any dispute?”
These questions were asked by Dr. Ambedkar. He added : “Duty requires that those who do not believe in Mr. Gandhi’s movement must take steps to prevent his threatened action from taking shape.”
“ It is difficult to understand why Mr. Gandhi should think it necessary to enter upon so hazardous a plan of action at so perilous a time in the history of India, Dr. Ambedkar said.—
“ To me some points are quite clear. As to India’s reaching its political goal, no one can deny that the transfer of power from the British to the hands of Indians has been continuous and of late rapid—except those who affect a certain degree of passion for independence. Barring such passionate patriots, it can be said without exaggeration that the British vis-a-vis Indians are in the last ditch. That the British do not wish to enterench themselves in the last ditch and prevent the political advancement of India to its final goal is equally clear. If any proof was necessary, the Cripps Proposals are there. They conceded Independence and Constituent Assembly both of which have been the demands which the Congress has been making.
After the Cripps Proposals it is hard to believe Mr. Gandhi when he says that the British do not intend to transfer power to the hands of Indians. It is a positive and deliberate untruth.
*The 27th July, 1942.