Poona Pact (1932)

Introduction

The Poona Pact between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, was made on September 24, 1932, at Yerwada central jail in Poona, India. It was done to reserve electoral seats for the underprivileged class of the society in the legislature of British India in 1932.

About Poona Pact

Poona Pact 1932 was an act between Hindu leaders to secure the interest of the Dalits. A large group of Hindus raised their voice to secure their rights. This agreement is also a result of the communal award of August 4, 1932. During the early twentieth century, an Indian political system went through great tension regarding different communal interests. After a series of negotiations and counseling, the British Govt. agreed on a proposal offered by the Hindu leaders. 

In this proposal, the Hindu depressed classes or scheduled caste demanded seats in legislation. Dalit leader Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar supported this proposal. He was the one who fought against the inequality posed upon the Dalits community. However, many national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi proposed a different plan. They proposed to have reserved seats in the central and provincial assembly for the depressed classes. 

By 1930 Ambedkar emerged as a leader of the national stature for the welfare of the depressed class. He represented the class in the first round table session. Consequently, the proposal was finally reached as an important factor on the Indian political map. The Poona Pact between Gandhi and Ambedkar on behalf of depressed classes and upper-caste Hindu leaders on the reservation of electoral seats for the depressed classes in the legislature of British India. It reserved 71 seats in the central legislature for the marginalized section of the society.

Historical background of the Poona Pact:

1. British prime minister Ramsay MacDonald decided to build separate electorates for the marginalized class. It includes the Europeans, the Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, and Christians.
2. He announced an award intending to secure separate electorates for the British government. Two executives from the British govt. had already initiated two reform acts, namely, the Morley-Minto Reform of 1909 and the Montagu-Chelmsford Reform of 1919.
3. As per the reforms, separate electorates were allocated for every community. They are given a place in the legislature. It means members from each of these communities would be eligible for the electorates.
4. Several national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, were completely against this communal electorate. Ambedkar was one of the Hindu leaders who supported the award.
5. However, after prolonged sessions and discussion, they both agreed to withdraw the separate electorate system for the marginalized classes of society.

Importance of Poona Pact:

1. In the final settlement session with Gandhiji, Ambedkar agreed to build a joint electorate for the marginalized candidates.
2. Moreover, over 180 seats were reserved in the legislature, for depressed classes.
3. The Poona Pact 1932 also highlights the fair representation of the depressed section of the society and their contribution to the public sector.
4. It also strengthens their political voices and creates a fair chance for the oppressed section of society. It is a collaborative and affirmative program that uplifts the voice of the marginalized section and their interests.

The difference in opinion between Gandhiji and Ambedkar

1. The two distinguished pillars of the Poona Pact 1932 were Gandhi Ji and Ambedkar. However, they have different opinions concerning the proposal.
2. Ambedkar wanted to eliminate the ills of the caste system, and he aimed to take a step beyond reforms. However, Gandhiji never wanted to abolish the caste system. He wanted to impose some behavioral changes to eradicate the ills of the caste system.
3. Ambedkar viewed the caste system as a political problem and wished to uplift the marginalized section of the society. He focused on the equality and political democracy of the depressed section. However, Mahatma Gandhi viewed the caste system as a social problem. He wanted to change the people’s outlook and bring equal opportunity to them.
4. Ambedkar’s approach was political. He wanted to secure their rights politically. However, Gandhiji focused on eradicating the issue from its roots.
5. Ambedkar viewed the depressed section of society as Dalits. However, Gandhi prefers to address them as Harijan.

Conclusion

The Poona Pact was a revolutionary step in social and historical context. It was an agreement between the Hindu leaders to secure the interests of the Dalits. It changed the destiny of the marginalized class. The Poona Pact of 1932 also highlights the fair representation of the depressed section of the society and their contribution to the public service sector.

In addition, the Poona pact between Gandhi and Ambedkar also showcased the different philosophies of Gandhiji and Ambedkar to establish an egalitarian society in India.