Abstract

On 15th August 1936 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar introduced a Political Party called ‘Independent Labour Party’ with his radical aims and objectives. This Monumental era of ‘Independent Labour Party’ comes up frequently in circles within different types of theoretical positions, conundrum perceptions in different precedents and epistemologies. The historic layout of this significant event and its peculiarity of articulation has shaken the Anti-Caste theory and processes for attainment of democratic values concerns. In the colonial period this specific phenomenon played very significant role that helped in understanding dynamics of representation of untouchables  and its reflection on caste society. This paper tries to trace the specific context of the ‘Independent Labour Party’ since 1936 to 1942 with the help of epistemological perspectives. It also focuses on a larger debate of identity based representation in the new electoral system enacted by Government of India Act 1935. Re-conceptualize Ambedkar’s idea of ‘Independent Labour Party’ through its peculiarity and historical relevance in the process of democratization in India by understanding the ideological standpoints of political discourse, its theoretical process, practice and method within institutional framework. Keywords: Untouchables, Representation, Conversion, Democracy, Independent Labour Party (ILP)  

Introduction ‘Caste system is not merely division of the Labour. It is also division of the Labourers’ -Dr. B.R Ambedkar

Since 1936 to 1942, Almost six years ‘Independent Labour Party’ was actively involved in Politics. Although, ‘Independent Labour Party (ILP)’ was resolved by Dr. B.R Ambedkar within six years it’s foundation and he formed another new political party named ‘Scheduled Caste Federation’ in 1942. Those successful six years of the ‘Independent Labour Party’ have more relevance in analysing the historical context of electoral politics in such time when the debates on democratic states were taking place in India. The theoretical conceptualizations and political frameworks of ‘Independent Labour Party’ had created new political, economical and social terminologies which were considered in the realm of labour questions. The successive contribution and participation of ILP in the federal election of 1937’s, shown it’s assertive role in ‘Bombay Legislative Council’ as opposition party. The ways political representation and tactics were seen in this particular time, it had given a larger understanding of Ambedkar’s vision towards ‘Political and Social Democratization of Depressed Classes’ in the Hindu majoritarian caste-society.

Independent Labour Party: Historical Context

‘Caste’ is the structure of social stratification which is lead both concept an institution and ideology. Caste represented core of indian society. As institution, ‘caste’ arranging and organizing social group which in terms of their social status and position in social economic system, as an ideology caste also considered values and certain ideas that legitimized and reinforced the existing this unequal structure (Jodhka, 2010). Dr. Ambedkar also observes hierarchy as one of the important characteristics of the caste system and calls it as a system of graded inequality. Caste as a system is a ladder of castes placed one above the other together representing an ascending scale of hatred and descending scale of contempt (Ambedkar 1979). More specifically In India, caste and politics were never separate categories from each other. As compared to any other institutions, Historically caste has a vibrant presence in the political sphere as a oppressive power domain and as a dominant discourse. The great philosopher, a political figure Dr. B.R Ambedkar, strongly opposed to this caste based exclusion and humiliation of untouchables which lead the stratification among the castes. Dr. B.R Ambedkar played very significant role with his different capacities and standpoints to build up democratic domain for oppressed sections. Dr. Ambedkar’s rational articulation and contribution in indian democracy precisely vouch dignity of oppressed community. Dr. Ambedkar has been acknowledged as the leader of the Depressed Classes, the leader of the dumb and down-trodden millions of the country as well as architect of the Indian Constitution (Chalam, 1993).

Through the evolution process of political democracy, Dr. Ambedkar’s life events and his response to contemporary phenomenons show us, his commitment towards ideological position, radical articulation of thoughts and constitutional method for political struggle as various attempts and means to fights against caste brutality and vulnerability of untouchables. In 1919, The emergence of Dr. Ambedkar in British India highlighted his contribution and presence through social, political agitation. He founded the ‘Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha’ in July 1924 (Outcastes Welfare Association) to uplift the untouchables in the field of Education, Social and Political. In March, 1927 Dr. Ambedkar Lead Mahad March, for untouchables rights to draw water from the ‘Chavdar’ public tank. He burnt copies of the ‘Manusmriti’ (a symbol of Brahminical hegemony) to condemn the norms of hierarchical structure of Brahmanism. Also he lead ‘1930’s ‘Kalaram Temple Entry Fight’ for untouchables in Nashik. Thus, Ambedkar established his political position as leaders of oppressed by social struggle concerns particularly .

In United Kingdom in 1929 under the leadership of Ramsay MacDonald, ‘The Labour Party’ came in power. The Labour Government decided to hold a series of Round Table Conferences in London to discuss about constitutional reforms in India. Dr. B.R Ambedkar attended all three conferences and represent himself behalf of all depressed classes. Dr. Ambedkar forcefully argued for social, economic and political upliftment of untouchables in round table conferences. After the failure of Round Table Conferences, in March 1933, British Government announced ‘1935 Indian Act’ as new political system for govern British India. Forthwith, in 1936 August Ambedkar formed ‘Independent Labour Party’, A new political party which has been established in Bombay for the purpose of contesting the elections in the Bombay Presidency under the new Constitution to both Chambers of the Legislature. The third Round Table Conference held on the 17th November 1932. This conference came out with final features of concrete plan for new Indian constitution. In the 1935 British Government introduced ‘Indian Act of 1935’.

According to this , General election under the act of 1935 were held In February 1937 for Legislative assemblies for eleven provinces. After the announcement of election by the Act, DR. B.R Ambedkar were evaluating himself and preparing a new electoral strategy as diplomatic response to general election. During 1920 to 1935 Ambedkar lead several agitations for the untouchables and he become aspiration for masses. At this same period, Congress was one the most dominant political party in British India with majority of upper castes leaders. Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League were present next to a Congress as religious force, also in south, Justice Party were present as Non- Brahmin alliance. But on this situation there was no any specific political force in behalf of Untouchables.

Dr. Ambedkar framed his political plan for social, economical and educational transformation not only for untouchables but also all Depressed Classes like all other castes group, Labours, Peasant throughout new political party which was ‘Independent Labour Party’. At this points, Ambedkar advocate political co-operation among other classes and untouchables which was directly reflected in formation and process of Independent Labour Party. Ambedkar define the larger political line as political solidarity within depressed classes. In the interview of ‘Times of India’ Ambedkar explain his position on the name of the party, he replied the word ‘Labour’ was used instead of the words ‘Depressed Classes’ because the term  ‘labour’ includes ‘Depressed Classes’ too. While clearing his justification about the stakeholder of the ILP’s programme, According to Ambedkar Indian Untouchables as worker won’t consider only an economic question which criticizing capitalism process, more than as victim their close attention will considered both hierarchical system Brahmanism and Capitalism (Jaffrelot, 2005).

Standpoints and Framework of Party

On 15 August 1936, Ambedkar published constitution, aim and programs of party in the name of ‘Independent Labour Party; Its Formation and Its Aims’ in ‘Times of India’ newspaper. Ambedkar exploring the idea about party, he explain that, the major aim behind forming the party is to concentrate and solve the problems and grievances of the landless, poor tenants, agriculturists and workers. The party would be independent of every other political organization, although it will be ready to co-operate with other party where co-operation is possible. (Khairmode, 1985) The party will focus on the welfare of Labouring classes. He made it clear that, The membership is open to person of all creeds and communities. The independent Labour Party, not a organization of only untouchables, but it includes all castes, Farmers, Labours, Minor businessman, Middle Class service holder. The fact that the Party has not been organised on communal lines have met with wide acceptance.

The party had it’s own economic, social and educational programs. Dr. Ambedkar mentioned that, The Independent Labour Party have concern with agriculture crisis and thus, party will help agriculturist and involve to making agriculture field more productive consists in the industrialization of the Province. The party will, therefore, endeavour to rehabilitate old industries and promote such new industries as the natural resources of the Provinces will permit. While considering Taxation issue, The Party will endeavour to rectify this inequity in the general system of taxation. The Party has great objections to the present system of leaving land revenue and it will undertake legislation to make it more equitable and more elastic. (BAWS, 2003) In the specific aim for the social reforms.

The Independent Labour Party declared that, this party will undertake legislation (i) To Prevent social reformers from being outcasted by the orthodox (ii) To penalise all forms of organised attempts at direct action such as terrorism and boycott to prevent individuals or classes from exercising the rights and liberties given to them by law. Also this Party will undertake legislation to deal with the Problem of beggars and other destitute persons. On the another issue, for the matter of ‘Rural Reconstruction’, the party will make rural life cheerful by providing as many amenities of life as may be necessary for the object in view. The Party will work to improve village sanitation and housing by introducing a scheme of village planning somewhat on the lines of town-planning. Also,The Party will establish village libraries, village halls, village radious and rotary cinemas in order to modernise the outlook of the village and to make him a progressive persons. In the special concerns towards education, Independent Labour Party assured that, everyone will get free and compulsory primary education, a scheme of adult education so as to make all people literate, special emphasis on technical education. The party will provide facilities for higher education in India and abroad by means of State aid to deserving persons from communities which are educationally backward. In the particularly subject of Administration, Party was focusing that, the administration is should be good, efficient and free from corruption. Party will support to secure the separation of the Judiciary from the Executive. Also party will amend the ‘Vatan’ system in a way suited to modern conditions. Thus, Dr. B.R Ambedkar introduced this kind of party model which was necessary and appealed to all workers, peasants and the lower, middle classes to join it in large numbers and thus make it a mass organisation (BAWS, 2003).

General Election of ‘1937’

By the 1935’s Indian Act, Government introduced two house system which was Upper house (Vidhanparishad) and Lower house (Vidhansabha) in the Bombay Province. According to this, there would be 30 seats in the Upper house and 175 seats in Lower house which would represent by general election. Particurely in the Lower house 115 seats for general canditates, 60 seats were reserved for Muslim, Anglo-Indian, European, Indian Christian, Women, Landowner, Businessman and Workers. Within this 115 seats 15 seats were reserved for Untouchables candidates. Ambedkar was aware about, These 15 seats were not enough to push forward demands of depressed classes in house. There was need to support other candidate form general seat or to give more candidature from upper caste background from party those will support him. Through this background Dr. Ambedkar decided to form a political party on a larger social and political identity where the party will contest in election and win almost all 15 reserved seats and at least 30 seats from general background.

In the selection process of candidates Dr. Ambedkar put three criteria- (i) The candidate should have good knowledge of English language, because in the house English language is important for house process and the candidate can ask question in house (ii) The candidate must be young and sufficient enthusiastic (iii) The candidate should be adhered to a party discipline. After the bitter experiences by Hindu caste society, Ambedkar decided that he will not be part of Hindu religion any more. On 13, Oct In 1935 at ‘Yeola’, Nashik, Ambedkar announced that, “Though, I was born a Hindu, I solemnly assure you that I will not die as a Hindu” On this position Ambedkar was serious and he conceived this thought to all party candidate that, Every candidate must support to conversion movement. In the distribution most of the tickets were given to Mahar candidate, there were two from a Mang and a Gujrathi Schedule caste man. Dr. Ambedkar faced problem while distributing tickets specificly the conflict between Bhaurao Gaikwad and Rankhambe in Nashik. In Bombay, Indian cricketer Palwankar Balu nominee his canditarure to oppose Dr. Ambedkar. The General election took place on 17 Feb 1937 in Bombay Province, out of 17 seats (15 reserved and 2 general)Independent party won 15 seats. Only two seats were, Dr. Salunkhi and Subhedar Sawadkar lost election. Ambedkar was elected in Bombay by round about two thousand votes. Thus, the victory was of Independent Labour Party attained important political position next to congress in legislative assembly.

Independent Labour Party: Participation and Contribution in Assembly

In the Legislative assembly during this time Independent labour Party played very significant role. The pair, Dr. Ambedkar and opposition leader Jamanadas Mehta were lead a house form opposition side. In the house on the 17 August 1937 bill regarding minimum salary for minister were introduced by assembly, Ambedkar criticized this on with major arguments, according to him this bill was practicable idealism. Also, Ambedkar and B. Gaikwad took a position against t used word ‘Harijan’ in a house. In the matter of education, in the assembly several times issue were raised by party leaders for Schedule caste students and teachers. Also leader were demanding adequate water to untouchables. On 7 September 1937, Ambedkar introduced bill regarding abolition of ‘ Khoti’ system. On this ground he arranged protest againsts ‘Khoti’ and Land tenuare system in Ratnagiri on 10 January 1938. On the 7 November 1938 Independent Labour Party took a part in one day strike with communist party against ‘Industrial Dispute Act’.

Further he declared that, it should be called ‘The Workers Civil Liberties Act’. In Pune, 7 september, 1937 Ambedkar introduced bill related to ‘ Mahar Vatan’. In the education matter, Ambedkar were opposed to education system in Wardha which was influenced by Gandhian Philosophy. During the secodn world war started, The Independent Labour Party gave proposal to British that, Recruitment of all standing army must be open to all communities. The party gave their unconditional support to British Government in war to the response to appeal which made by Viceroy. In the demand of Karnataka for separate province, Ambedkar opposed this with the arguments that, If Karnataka become separate ‘Lingayats’ will be dominant community in the province. Also Independent Labour Party stood against the Federal Scheme under the Indian Government Act of 1935. According to Ambedkar this scheme would not help to unite India, this would be destroy the concept of democracy in British India.

‘Re-conceptulise’ the Idea of Independent Labour Party

In the British India the history of Anti-caste movement for social, political and economical upliftment of Depressed classes, majorly counted by Ambedkar’s ideological standpoints and practical positions which he attained by his own socio-political diplomatic method. The major contribution of Ambedkar in Anti-caste struggle underlined his commitment for casteless society. Before the establishment of Independent labour Party there were three major incidents happened which help to understand the historical, social and political context of the party. First, 1932’s Pune Pact which was happened between Ambedkar and Gandhi with the regards of separate electorate for untouchables. Second, Ambedkar’s declaration about conversion in Nashik in 1935. Third, publication of excellent undelivered speech of Ambedkar which was ‘Annihilation of Castes’ after the controversy happened by ‘Jat Pat Todak Mandal’ in 1936. With the concern of Anti-colonial movement (which was specifically focus on political rights of upper caste people) Ambedkar’s perspectives produced some critical thoughts which leaded some ideas and conception as method of emancipation for untouchables. Ambedkar was the first leader who brought the question of untouchability on political ground. For Ambedkar attainment of political rights from Colonial system not merely enough in the country like India where caste based exclusion and untouchability exist in society. In the book of ‘Annihilation of Caste’ Ambedkar argue that, not merely political freedom, for the seek of absolute emancipation, social freedom and equality of depressed classes from any other biases is much more needed before political freedom. Furthermore, Ambedkar again explaining that how Political rights and position is equally important to attain this social and economic rights.

In the Round Table Conference Ambedkar gave this statement- ‘We are often reminded that the problem of the Depressed Classes is a Social problem and that it’s solution ies elsewhere than in politics. We take strong exception to this views. We hold that the problem of the Depressed Classes will never be solved unless they get  political power in their own hands. If this is true, the (the) problem of (the) Depressed Classes is, I submit, eminently a political problem must be treated as such.’ (Statement by Ambedkar at the Round Table Conference, London, 1930) For Ambedkar the complexity of caste hierarchy and its brutality not simple phenomena which can eradicate by one method or process. The Independent Labour Party was the attempt and example of Ambedkar’s electoral strategies to achieve political spaces in Bombay Province. According to Jafferelot, Ambedkar was tried to set up as a leader of ‘Labour masses.’ This shift was largely due to his need for an electoral strategy.

In the political domain Ambedkar was constantly involved for creating new political platform for untouchables. In that contemporary period traditional political parties were working with certain aim and object while ignoring issues of caste operation. Ambedkar constantly criticizing Congress and other Communist parties where dominant leaders came from upper caste location. According to him, the homogenization of the identity and normalization of brutality of untouchability is problematic. In ‘Annihilation of Caste’ a text important for formation of ILP, he made argument that, ‘Caste system in not merely division of labour. It is also a division of labourers’- Ambedkar explain that, the theory of graded inequality under the name of Working class is ilusion. Therefore the Ambedkar’s organization continue focused on abolition of caste. Thus, Ambedkar’s role and contribution in Independent Labour Party, making a sense of how he creates a political discourse as strong anti- caste force while considering social and economical factors too. Though Ambedkar faced several difficulties from within and outside party during the formation of party, while contesting in election and working in house, he gave most critical and alternative political option to masses. Dr. Ambedkar’s understanding and standpoints on political and social issues before and during election, responses and participation in social, political movements, labour and peasant strikes, contribution in assembly for the concerns abolition of hierarchy making a relevance discourse in contemporary politics. The evaluation of ‘Independent Labour Party’ in Indian politics and process of democratization with the concern of minority groups, remain considerable in the current context.

References:

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