Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to separate electorates for untouchables w

Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to separate electorates for untouchables was because

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separate electorates would ensure them bondage in perpetuity

of the apprehension of offending the conservative high caste Hindus

it would weaken Mahatma Gandhi's position as a leader

None of the above

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2013

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The correct answer is A. Mahatma Gandhi opposed separate electorates for untouchables because he believed it would permanently segregate them from the rest of the Hindu community, thereby perpetuating their untouchable status and preventing their social integration.

– The issue arose with the British Communal Award of 1932, which proposed separate electorates for the Depressed Classes (untouchables).
– Gandhi saw this as a political tactic to divide Hindus and feared it would institutionalize the social separation of untouchables.
– He undertook a fast unto death against separate electorates, which led to the Poona Pact (1932) between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar.
– The Poona Pact replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for Depressed Classes within the general electorate.

Gandhi’s primary concern was the social and religious unity of Hinduism and the upliftment of the Depressed Classes (whom he called Harijans) within the existing social framework, rather than through political separation. Ambedkar, while initially favouring separate electorates for political empowerment, agreed to the Poona Pact under pressure from Gandhi’s fast.

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