Q. The second session of the Round Table Conference broke down on the question of
(a) Gandhi’s fast unto death
(b) separate electorates for the minorities
(c) Gandhiji being not treated on equal terms with the representatives of the King Emperor
(d) government’s unwillingness to release all political prisoners
Ans: (b) separate electorates for the minorities
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) separate electorates for the minorities.
The second session of the Round Table Conference, held in 1931 in London, broke down primarily due to the issue of separate electorates for the minorities. Separate electorates were a system proposed to give certain religious or minority communities separate representation in the legislative bodies.
During the conference, the question of separate electorates became a major point of contention between the different parties involved. The Indian National Congress, represented by Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders, strongly opposed separate electorates as it would further divide the Indian population along religious lines.
On the other hand, some minority groups, particularly the Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, demanded separate electorates to protect their interests and ensure adequate representation for their communities.
The failure to reach a consensus on the issue of separate electorates led to a breakdown in the negotiations and eventually resulted in the collapse of the second session of the Round Table Conference.
Therefore, option (b) separate electorates for the minorities is the correct answer.
