What were the gandhi ji views and efforts towards dalit or oppressed
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Answer:
i. For a long time the Congress had ignored the dalits, for fear of offending the conservative high-caste Hindus. So it was difficult for the dalits to be moved by the abstract idea of swaraj.
ii. But Mahatma Gandhi declared that swaraj would not come for hundred years if untouchability was not eliminated. He organised many satyagrah to ensure the dalits free entry in temples, public wells, schools,etc. He cleaned toilet himself to dignify the work of Bhangi (the sweepers). He persuaded the upper castes to change their heart and give up the sin of untouchability.
iii. But many dalit leaders were keen on a different political solution to the problems of the community. They began organising themselves demanding reserved seats in educational institutions and a separate electorate that would choose dalit members for legislative councils. They believed that political empowerment would resolve the problems of their social disabilities.
iv. Though according to the Poona-Pact the dalits got reserved seats in provincial elections, the dalit movement however continued to be apprehensive of the Congress-led national movement.