Who signed the Poona Pact of 1932 on behalf of Mahatma Gandhi, as he was imprisoned at the time?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (B) Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya

• The Poona Pact of 1932 was signed between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (on behalf of the depressed classes) and Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya (on behalf of the caste Hindus and Mahatma Gandhi, who was then imprisoned in Yerwada Jail).

• The pact was reached to end Gandhi’s fast unto death against the British Communal Award, which granted separate electorates to the depressed classes.

• The agreement replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for the depressed classes within the general electorate.

• Date of Poona Pact: 24 September 1932

• Location: Yerwada Central Jail, Pune (then Poona)

• As per the Pact, 148 reserved seats were allocated for the depressed classes in provincial legislatures.

• The Pact was later incorporated into the Government of India Act, 1935.

• Mahatma Gandhi began his fast on 20 September 1932, protesting the British decision that would divide Hindu society.

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, though initially favoring separate electorates, agreed to reserved seats under pressure of Gandhi’s deteriorating health.

• Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad were active Congress leaders at the time, but did not represent Gandhi in signing the pact.

• The Poona Pact marked a significant shift in Dalit political representation and became a foundational moment in India's electoral politics.

• The Pact also led to the establishment of the Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932) by Gandhi to work for the upliftment of the depressed classes.

• Gandhi referred to the Dalits as Harijans (children of God) post this movement.