In 1932, Poona Pact was signed between

The Poona Pact refers to an agreement between B. R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on the reservation of electoral seats for the depressed classes in the legislature of British India government. It was made on 24 September 1932 at Yerwada Central Jail in Poona, India and was signed by Mahatma Gandhi, B.R Ambedkar and some other leaders as a means to end the fast that Gandhi was undertaking in jail as a protest against the decision by British prime minister Ramsay MacDonald to give separate electorates to depressed classes for the election of members of provincial legislative assemblies in British India. They finally agreed upon 148 electoral seats.

1. Background of the Poona Pact

• In 1932, the British Government, led by Lord Willingdon, announced the Communal Award, which granted separate electorates to the Depressed Classes (Dalits).
• Separate electorates meant that only members of the Depressed Classes could vote for candidates from their community.
• B. R. Ambedkar, the leader of the Depressed Classes, initially accepted the Communal Award.
• Mahatma Gandhi opposed separate electorates for Depressed Classes because he believed it would divide Hindus and weaken national unity.

2. The Conflict

• Gandhi went on a fast unto death on 20th September 1932 in Yerwada Jail, Pune, to protest separate electorates.
• The situation created political tension between the Indian National Congress and leaders of the Depressed Classes.
• To resolve this crisis, negotiations were held between Gandhi and Ambedkar, with the British Government mediating.

3. Signing of the Poona Pact

• The Poona Pact was signed on 24th September 1932 at Pune.
• Key Parties Involved:
  1. Mahatma Gandhi – representing the Indian National Congress
  2. B. R. Ambedkar – representing the Depressed Classes
• Mediation: British authorities, including Lord Willingdon, facilitated discussions.

4. Key Terms of the Poona Pact

1. Separate electorates were scrapped.
2. Instead, reserved seats for Depressed Classes in provincial legislatures were increased:
   • From 71 to 147 seats in provincial assemblies.
3. Joint electorates were adopted: candidates would be elected by general voters, but only members of Depressed Classes could vote for reserved candidates.
4. Both Gandhi and Ambedkar agreed on measures to improve education and social conditions of Depressed Classes.

5. Significance of the Poona Pact

• Ensured political representation for Depressed Classes while maintaining Hindu unity.
• Strengthened Indian National Congress’s influence in elections.
• Marked a historic compromise between social justice and national integration.
• Highlighted the leadership and negotiation skills of Gandhi and Ambedkar.

6. Conclusion

The Poona Pact of 1932 was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar. It resolved the controversy over separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, providing reserved seats in joint electorates and laying the foundation for future affirmative action policies in India.