Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Political Mobilization of Dalits in Colonial Maharashtra

Summary

This paper examines Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s efforts to mobilize Dalits and oppressed communities through electoral politics during colonial rule, focusing on his formation of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in 1936 and later the All-India Scheduled Caste Federation (AISCF) in 1942. It highlights Ambedkar’s shift from social reform to political mobilization, driven by the need to secure political representation and address systemic oppression. Key events include the Mahad Satyagraha (1927) and Nasik Kalaram Satyagraha (1930), which emphasized civil rights and political consciousness over temple entry. The paper discusses Ambedkar’s advocacy for Dalit representation in legislative councils under British reforms like the Government of India Acts (1861, 1892, 1909, 1919, 1935) and his participation in the Round Table Conferences. It also explores the Poona Pact (1932), a compromise between Ambedkar and Gandhi on electorate systems, and the Congress’s attempts to counter Ambedkar’s influence. The analysis underscores Ambedkar’s belief in political democracy as essential for social and economic justice, his critique of Congress’s failure to represent Dalits, and his emphasis on electoral politics as a tool for empowerment.