Q. What was the reason that forced Mahatma Gandhi to undertake fast unto death in September, 1932?
(a) His demand for complete independence of India was being ignored.
(b) People resorted to communal riots.
(c) The congress was facing division.
(d) He objected to separate electorates for the depressed classes.
Ans: (d) He objected to separate electorates for the depressed classes.
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) He objected to separate electorates for the depressed classes.
The reason that forced Mahatma Gandhi to undertake a fast unto death in September 1932 was his objection to the provision of separate electorates for the depressed classes (now known as Scheduled Castes). The British government, under the Communal Award of 1932, had granted separate electorates for various communities, including the depressed classes.
Gandhi believed that the provision of separate electorates would perpetuate the division among different communities and hinder the process of social integration. He saw it as a threat to Hindu-Muslim unity and the overall goal of a united India.
To protest against the separate electorates, Gandhi undertook a fast unto death. This fast created a significant public outcry and led to intense negotiations between Gandhi and the British government. Eventually, a compromise known as the Poona Pact was reached, which retained reserved seats for the depressed classes within the general electorate, rather than having separate electorates.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) He objected to separate electorates for the depressed classes.
