Gandhi Vs Ambedkar Debate | Caste Based Electorate | Indian National Movement | Citizen Elite

Описание: GANDHI Vs AMBEDKAR DEBATE - CASTE BASED ELECTORATE :

Gandhiji's Perspective on caste based Electorate:

Gandhiji undertook his first fast to the death in Yerawada Jail in 1932 to oppose the caste-based electorate system.

Gandhiji believed caste-based electorates would perpetuate division among Indians, weakening a unified national identity.

He promoted universal suffrage to ensure equal political representation for all, encouraging marginalized communities to engage in broader political participation.

Transformative Approach to Caste: Initially supportive of traditional caste norms, Gandhiji’s views evolved to endorse unity and oppose discrimination based on caste.

He condemned untouchability, coining the term "Harijans" (children of God) for the oppressed.

Gandhiji established the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932, aiming to uplift marginalized groups through education and social reform.

Ambedkar’s Perspective :

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued that true change would occur when the oppressed rejected their imposed conditions and divine justification for their oppression.

Ambedkar viewed separate electorates as a means to empower marginalized castes, proposing double voting rights to allow representation both within their community and in general electorates.

Gandhiji’s Opposition to Separate Electorates:

Gandhiji opposed Ambedkar’s stance on separate electorates, advocating for a united India without caste-based political divisions.

Gandhiji’s ideal for Scheduled Castes was to aspire for leadership and equality on a global scale, rejecting British strategies of division based on caste.        
                                   
Gandhiji was sharp enough to quickly understand the British divide-and-rule policy, turning the political discourse as Hindu vs Scheduled caste and Hindu vs Muslims.  
                                                                               Though Ambedkar disregarded Gandhiji's political reservation, he knew that Gandhiji is the most loved political leader across India, and if something happened to him, the fledgling Dalit movement might bear heavy consequences.

So, Doctor Ambedkar inked the Poona Pact, which secured reservations for lower caste and not separate electorates.