Question

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

Answer 1

Hint: Separate electorates can be defined as a system in which seats are reserved for Muslims and Untouchables in India. Under this system only the members of their community can poll elections. This was first established in India under Indian Councils Act, 1909 under British rule. It is also believed that this was followed by Divide and rule policy in India.

Complete Step by Step answer: After India got independence in 1947 the debates on the framing and drafting of constitution began. During the deliberations the issue of Separate electorates was discussed with much attention. It was the system which was introduced by Britishers and was considered to be the reason for partition of British India. There were different takes on the question of separate electorates:
-Many leaders feared the communal havoc that was caused by this system and suggested that introducing such a system could possibly give rise to communal feelings.
-Many Muslims leaders feared that without Separate electorates the interest and desires of Muslims in India would be undermined.
-Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were against the system of separate electorates and they believe that this will only add communalism in new India. They believed that Muslims are no different from Hindus in India and in the same way Untouchables are no different from Hindus. This resulted in the Poona Pact 1932.
-D. B.R Ambedkar proposed a separate electorate for Dalits for three purposes which were- representation in politics, dalits must not be isolated from politics and influence in elections.

Note: A fourteen points report was presented by Mohommad Ali Jinnah in which he proposed the interests of Muslims. It was produced in response to the Nehru Report in 1929. Jinnah demanded separate electorates for muslims to secure their representation and interests.