Question

During 1920 to 1930, why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of seperate electorates?

Answer 1

a. Gandhiji and the Congress believed that separate electorates would create disunity among the people and weaken the National Movement They understood that it was part of the British policy of Divide and rule.

b. Muhammad Jinnah was ready to give up his demand for separate electorates provided if there are reserved seats for Muslims in the Central Assembly and adequate representation to them.

c. Muhammad Iqbal wanted separate electorates for Muslims to protect their interests and to prevent their possible domination by the majority community

Answer 2

ANSWER:-

 By the system of separate electorate, we mean a system in which the people of one religion vote for the candidates of their own religion. This was an attempt of the British government to divide the nationalist sentiments.  

The political leaders had differences over the separate electorates because:

 Congress leaders including Mahatma Gandhi knew it would weaken the nationalist movement and they were in favour of general or joint electorates.

 The leaders of the Depressed Classes like B R Ambedkar asked for separate electorates because in the joint electorate he feared the dominance of upper class Hindus but Gandhiji opposed this as it would lead to the disintegration of the society and create disunity.

 Muslim leaders like Mohammad Ali Jinnah asked for separate electorate to safeguard the political interest of the Muslims. They feared that Muslims would have little chance to win as Hindus were in majority in the country.