Image: Historical photograph from the Poona Pact period.
The Poona Pact, signed in September 1932, was one of the most important agreements in the history of political representation in colonial India. It followed a major dispute between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar over separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.
Background
The British Communal Award of August 1932 proposed separate electorates for several communities, including the Depressed Classes. Ambedkar supported separate electorates as a means of securing independent political representation.
Gandhi’s opposition
Gandhi opposed separate electorates for the Depressed Classes and began a fast while imprisoned at Yerwada Central Jail.
The agreement
Negotiations involving Ambedkar and other leaders resulted in the Poona Pact. Separate electorates were replaced with reserved seats within a joint electorate, and the number of reserved seats was increased.
Long-term significance
The pact became an important milestone in the development of India’s system of political representation for historically disadvantaged communities.
Read NewsNationOnline’s Gandhi and Ambedkar feature and explore the Gandhi Heritage Portal.
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