Dr B.R. Ambedkar, organised the dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930. He clashed with Mahatma Gandhi at the second Round Table Conference by demanding separate electorates for dalits.When the British government conceded Ambedkar’s demand, Gandhiji began a fast unto death. He believed that separate electorates for dalits would slow down the process of their integration into society. Ambedkar ultimately accepted Gandhiji’s position and the result was the Poona Pact of September 1932. It gave the Depressed Classes (later to be known as the Schedule Castes) reserved seats in provincial and central legislative councils, but they were to be voted in by the general electorate.

The three Round Table Conferences of 1930–32 were a series of conferences organized by the British Government to discuss constitutional reforms in India. They were conducted as per the recommendation of Jinnah to Lord Irwin viceroy and his friend Ramsay MacDonald then Prime Minister of Great Britain, and by the report submitted by the Simon Commission in May 1930. Demands for swaraj, or self-rule, in India had been growing increasingly strong. By the 1930s, many British politicians believed that India needed to move towards dominion status. However, there were significant disagreements between the Indian and the British political parties that the Conferences would not resolve.

The Depressed Classes Association and the Clash with Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction
The Depressed Classes Association was organized in 1930 by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent leader and social reformer in India. This association aimed to uplift and empower the socially and economically marginalized groups in society, specifically the Dalits, who were historically considered untouchable and subjected to severe discrimination and oppression.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Depressed Classes Association
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a highly educated and influential figure, dedicated his life to addressing the issues faced by Dalits and other marginalized communities. He worked tirelessly to eradicate caste-based discrimination and promote social justice for all. The formation of the Depressed Classes Association was a significant step towards achieving these goals.

The Clash with Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Ambedkar's clash with Mahatma Gandhi can be attributed to their differing approaches in addressing the issues faced by the depressed classes.

Mahatma Gandhi's Approach
Mahatma Gandhi, widely regarded as the Father of the Nation, believed in the concept of varna system and advocated for its reform rather than its complete abolition. He was of the opinion that the caste system could be reformed through non-violent means and that the depressed classes should be integrated into the existing social structure.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Approach
Dr. Ambedkar, on the other hand, strongly believed that the caste system was inherently discriminatory and oppressive, and therefore needed to be dismantled completely. He argued that the depressed classes should have separate electorates and reserved seats in legislative bodies to ensure their representation and upliftment.

Poona Pact and the Resolution of the Clash
The clash between Dr. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi reached its peak during the negotiations for the Poona Pact in 1932. Mahatma Gandhi went on a hunger strike to protest against separate electorates for the depressed classes, fearing it would lead to the division of Hindu society. This forced Dr. Ambedkar to reconsider his position, and eventually, both leaders reached a compromise.

The Poona Pact resulted in the reservation of seats for the depressed classes within the general electorate, rather than separate electorates. This compromise was a significant achievement as it ensured political representation for the marginalized communities while maintaining the unity of Hindu society.

Conclusion
The clash between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi stemmed from their differing approaches to addressing the issues faced by the depressed classes. While Gandhi advocated for the reform of the existing caste system, Ambedkar sought its complete abolition. However, through the Poona Pact, a compromise was reached, ensuring political representation for the depressed classes within the general electorate. This clash and subsequent resolution played a crucial role in shaping the path towards social justice and equality in India.