Poona Pact (1932)

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Gandhi strongly opposed the inclusion of depressed classes in the list of minorities.
Gandhi argued that it would not only divide the Hindus but also make the campaign against untouchability meaningless, as they would be considered distinct from the Hindus.
B.R. Ambedkar, the leader of the depressed classes, strongly argued for the separate electorate, as it, according to him, would give them political representation and power.
On 20 September 1932, Gandhi went on a fast (Yervada jail) unto death against the separate electorates for the depressed classes.
Madan Mohan Malaviya, Rajendra Prasad and others held talks with Ambedkar and M.C. Rajah the leaders of the depressed classes.
There was enormous pressure on Ambedkar to save Gandhi’s life.
After intense negotiations an agreement was arrived between Gandhi and Ambedkar.
In the jail, the communal award was modified. The new agreement, between Ambedkar and Gandhi, called the ‘Poona Pact’ was signed.

The principle of separate electorates was abandoned. Instead, the principle of joint electorate was accepted with reservation of seats for the depressed classes.
Reserved seats for the depressed classes were increased from 71 to 148. In the Central Legislature 18 percent of the seats were reserved.

Determined to undo the divisive intentions of the Government’s divide and rule policy, Gandhi gave up all his other preoccupations and launched a whirlwind campaign against untouchability first from jail and after his release in August 1933 from the outside.
While in jail, he had set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 and had started the weekly Harijan in January 1933.
After his release, he shifted to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha as he had vowed in 1930 not to return to Sabarmati Ashram unless Swaraj was won.
Starting from Wardha, he conducted a Harijan tour of the country in the period from November 1933 to July 1934.
He urged political workers to go to villages and work for social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of the Harijan.
He undertook two fasts-on May 8 and August 16, 1934 to convince his followers of the seriousness of his effort and the importance of the issue. These fasts created consternation in nationalist ranks throwing many into an emotional crisis.
Throughout his campaign, Gandhi was attacked by orthodox and reactionary elements. These elements disrupted his meetings, held black flag demonstrations against him and accused him of attacking Hinduism.
An important part of the campaign was the Temple Entry Movement. 8 January 1933 was observed as ‘Temple Entry Day’.

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