During the first Round Table Conference, when Ambedkar favored the moveof the British Govt. to provide separate electorate for the oppressed classes , Gandhi strongly opposed it on the plea that the move will disintegrate the Hindu Society.He went for an indefinite hunger strike from Sep 20, 1932 against the decision of the then British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald granting Communal Award to the depressed classes in the constitution for Governance of British India.
In view of the mass upsurge generated in the Country to save the life of Gandhi, Ambedkar was compelled to soften his stand. A compromise between the leaders of Caste Hindu and
and the depressed classes was reached on Sep 24, 1932, popularly known as Poona Pact. The resolution announced in a public meeting on Sep 25, in Bombay confirmed - "henceforth, amongst Hindus no one shall be regarded as untouchable by reason of his birth and they will have the same rights in all the social nstitutions as the other Hindus have." This landmark resolution in the history of the Dalit movement of indian people in a democratic Indian polity.
The following is the text of the agreement arrived at between the leaders acting on behalf of the Depressed classes in the legislatures and certain other matters affecting their welfare:
1. There will be reservation of seats for Depressed classes in the provincial legislatures as follows:
Madras-30;, Bombay with Sind- 25, Punjab-8, Bihar and Orissa --18, Central Provinces-20, Assam - 7, Bengal - 30, United province - 20. Total: 148. These figures are based on the decision of British Prime Minister.
2. Election of these seats shall be by jt.electorates. subject...etc.