Read Sources 5 and 6. Write an imaginary dialogue between Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on the issue of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.
Gandhi: Brother Ambedkar, I cannot accept your demand for separate electorates for the Depressed Classes. This will ensure their bondage in perpetuity. Do you want the "Untouchables" to remain "Untouchables" forever? Separate electorates would only perpetuate the stigma.
Ambedkar: Mahatma ji, you must understand the reality. The Depressed Classes are not in a position to sustain themselves in the struggle for existence. The religion brands them as lepers, not fit for ordinary intercourse. Economically, they are entirely dependent upon high-caste Hindus with no independent way of living.
Gandhi: What is truly needed is the destruction of "Untouchability". When you destroy this evil, the bar-sinister imposed by an insolent "superior" class upon an "inferior" class will vanish. Then, to whom will you give separate electorates?
Ambedkar: The Hindu Society deliberately bolts every possible door to prevent the Depressed Classes from rising in life. In these circumstances, as the only path for a community so handicapped to succeed against organised tyranny, some share of political power to protect themselves is a paramount necessity.
Gandhi: I understand your concerns, but separation is not the solution. We must work towards unity and equality.
Explanation
This dialogue is based on Sources 5 and 6 from the NCERT textbook. Ambedkar argues that the Depressed Classes need separate electorates as protection because they are economically dependent on high-caste Hindus and face religious and social discrimination that prevents them from rising in life. Gandhi opposes separate electorates, arguing that they would perpetuate the stigma of untouchability and keep the Depressed Classes in bondage forever. He believes the solution lies in destroying untouchability itself. The dialogue captures the fundamental disagreement between the two leaders on the best approach to empower the Depressed Classes.