Question

Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates ?

Answer 1

There were different opinions with regard to the British policy of Separate Electorates:

a. Gandhiji and the Congress believed that separate electorates would create disunity among the people and weaken the National Movement They understood that it was part of the British policy of Divide and rule.

b. Muhammad Jinnah was ready to give up his demand for separate electorates provided if there are reserved seats for Muslims in the Central Assembly and adequate representation to them.

c. Muhammad Iqbal wanted separate electorates for Muslims to protect their interests and to prevent their possible domination by the majority community.

d. B.R.Ambedkar and other dalit leaders demanded separate electorates for the depressed classes in order to protect their interest and extending political power to them.