And there are reasons why I also want you to accept a joint electorate and join with Gandhi in this. By having the aid of the government for a separate electorate of the depressed classes now, you run the risk of forever clashing with Hindu society and establishing yourself as a separate class, branded Untouchables forever, which is the least desirable thing. The stigma of Untouchability is to be uprooted once and for all, and all classes are to be united. This is the time and occasion — the golden opportunity — to tell your non-Hindu brethren to include the oppressed with all their legitimate rights, or lose them and make them enemies forever, which no well-wishers of Hindu independence would want.
Therefore, join hands with Gandhi and go along with him for a joint electorate. He has already promised to do his utmost for their representation and rights in the new government. Gandhi is sincere and will keep his word, and his influence will carry weight with other classes. I will also internally help your fight for the depressed classes, whose cause is always in my heart.
Dr. Ambedkar responded, "I understand what you mean and would like to do as you say, but I must explain that I alone cannot do it. I have to consult my colleagues in the party, provincial and all-India, before acting.
But you can exercise your influence on them and I will help internally.
"That I will," replied Ambedkar. But I cannot say if they will accept it or not.
"You need not worry," Baba assured him. It is enough that you remember what I have told you. Try to persuade those in your party and bring them around through your influence. I will see to the rest. Will you do so?
"Yes, I will," Dr. Ambedkar stated. Baba asked him to promise and he did so verbally.
"I am so glad," Baba concluded. You will be doing the greatest service for your people. So, remember, I am very, very pleased to have seen you.
"So am I," said Ambedkar.
Dr. Ambedkar then left. After a discussion with his colleagues, all agreed to accept a joint electorate; but as events unfolded, it took a long time to happen.
After meeting with Ambedkar in Bombay, Baba returned to Nasik. Within a few days, he sent Rustom to try to see Mahatma Gandhi at Yeravda Prison in Poona where he was incarcerated.