Instead of then returning to America as planned, he proceeded to Europe, stopping in Bombay for a very short time."
Ramjoo said to Gandhi, "You remember when Baba saw you last January, just before your arrest, that he promised you that he would meet the leaders of the Untouchables and use his influence to make them accept joint electorates. Accordingly, he saw some of the local leaders before he left and wired Dr. Ambedkar, who could not come. Baba then left for Europe and America.
"On his return, Baba came to know of your arrest and sent for Ambedkar, and had a talk with him for half an hour. Baba impressed upon him the fact that, although he himself never took part in any politics, he wanted to convince the depressed classes that it was for their own benefit to accept joint electorates with reservation of seats and other rights; otherwise, they would form themselves of their own accord into an Untouchable group for all time, and that sooner or later he wanted to see the Brahmins and so-called Untouchables on an equal footing, not only in politics but in the matter of religion and spirituality also.
"Ambedkar replied that he would keep Baba's advice in mind, but that first he had to consult with his committee members and would let Baba know the results later. Baba says that this settlement of the electorate problem, for which you have started fasting, will soon be settled, but he wishes you to fast for 40 days. In reference to your desire to spend a night with Baba and requesting the 'key' ..."
Gandhi interrupted, "Key?"
Chanji explained, "This is in reference to your meeting with Baba in London when you asked him to give you the key."
Ramjoo concluded, "After the fast, you should spend the fortieth night with Baba and he will make you God-realized."
Gandhi explained, "I have started this fast under the condition that I will terminate it if a settlement is arrived at. In that case, I would be going against my word if I were to continue the fast, because I did not declare beforehand that I would remain fasting for 40 days in any case. And people are very uneasy about it."
Ramjoo replied, "That is perhaps why we have been asked to tell you to keep on fasting, if possible."
Gandhi said, " 'If possible' could be interpreted two ways. First, if the body has the stamina ..."