GANDHI DIS-FRANCHISED . . . . . . . . . POONA PACT 521
“I, therefore, say I trust that when the new constitution is made full consideration will be given to the position of the Scheduled Classes themselves.
“It is sometimes said that Britain has not done enough for them. It is well known that Queen Victoria’s original proclamation about our not interferring too much with the religion, and habits of the people has prevented the British from doing as much as they might desire.
“But in later years, by a variety of devices, we have attempted to improve these Scheduled Classes and mitigate the horrors of Untouchability.
“The Franchise Committee recommended an electorate which would have given the Schedule Classes an opportunity of looking after their own affairs.
Poona Pact
“Unfortunately the decisions of the Franchise Committee were abrogated by the Poona Pact, produced by one of Mr. Gandhi’s longest fasts.
“I cannot now influence the decision of the Constitution making body, but it is quite clear that under the Poona Pact the Scheduled Castes did not get a chance of electing their ultimate representatives who would really represent their point of view.
“I hope that in part, or parts of India it may be possible to find an electoral system which will be more suitable for them.”
After referring to other minorities, Mr. Butler said : “We trust that in the future India, the minorities, and the Europeans who stay there will find free, and fair opportunity, and happiness under the regime.
“But there are many other sections of opinion— minorities among the Muslims, cultivators who do not mix in the political life, and have not shouted or taken part in politics, but whose views are sometimes not quite the same as those who steal the thunder and appear before the footlights.