Gandhi claimed to personally represent all forty-five million Untouchables

Evidence

In 1931, at the Second Round Table Conference in London, Gandhi claimed—with complete equanimity—that he represented all of India. In his first public confrontation with Ambedkar (over Ambedkar’s proposal for a separate electorate for Untouchables), Gandhi felt able to say, “I claim myself in my own person to represent the vast mass of Untouchables.” — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 179

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 179
• XREF: connects to: Hindu revivalists proselytised Untouchables to retain them in subordination.; Gandhi consistently insulted Untouchables and denied them political self-organization; Gandhi accepted separate electorates for Muslims but not for Untouchables. (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Untouchables’ interests can only be voiced by Untouchables themselves in sufficient numbers. #contradicts (0.70)
• Gandhi consistently insulted Untouchables and denied them political self-organization #complicates (0.60)
• Gandhi accepted separate electorates for Muslims but not for Untouchables. #complicates (0.50)
• Gandhi’s renaming of Untouchables as Harijans re-anchored them to the Hindu faith. #expands (0.50) — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 399