What was the poona pact?
What was the poona pact? The poona pact was a landmark agreement signed on September 24, 1932, between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, representing the Hindus and the Depressed Classes (now known as Scheduled Castes), respectively ¹. The pact was a response to the Communal Award of August 1932, which reserved 71 seats in the central legislature for the Depressed Classes. Gandhi opposed this award, fearing it would divide Hindus, and began a fast unto death. To resolve the issue, Ambedkar and Gandhi negotiated the Poona Pact.