152 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
casteism, provincialism, religious differences and numerous other conflicts and quarrels which divide the country. With these divisive forces it is difficult to perceive that India will ever be united. Hindus, Muslims and Christians do not have a common goal. Granted, that the British Raj comes to an end in the present situation, will not those who do not believe in one nation and are religious fanatics and caste-conscious people fight against each other to capture political power?
In the absence of real strength to capture real and true freedom, it would be harmful to entertain dreams of freedom.
On the other hand there is a distinct difference between our stand and that of the Congress. Congress does not like the constitu tional reforms. It is opposed to the reforms. They may put an end to the reforms after entering the Legislative Assembly. But, notwithstanding the fact that these reforms do not conform with our aspirations and demands, we prefer to work them and to use the opportunity to secure more rights in the legislative assemblies than those which have been given to us. This is not the time that the Legislative Assembly should be used as a playground for gimmicks and pranks.
Today Congress presents the picture of amotley crowd. Starting from the lowly porter, poor—labourer, peasants, petty trader, shopkeepers to landlords, usurers, merchants, middle class people, capitalists and exploiters are found in the Congress. In short people with all sort of conflicting interests are found in the Congress. This can those who thrive on the blood of the poor ever be the friend or the exploited? Congress is sitting in the lap of wealthy people. How can they help the poor peasants, farmers and workers?
Congress is not the party of the peasants and workers. Congress is the protector of the capitalists. It is difficult for the Congress to protect and safeguard the interests of working classes and common people.
As opposed to this our organisation - Independent Labour Party stands for the protection of the weaker section of the society.