Gandhi started his fast on
September 20, 1932. The first day of the fast was observed all over India as
day of prayer and fasting. Many temples were opened to untouchables and
meetings were held all over India urging the removal of untouchability.
Outside the jail political activity
boiled. Leaders of caste Hindus and untouchables met and discussed various
measures to arrive at a compromise that would satisfy Gandhi. Proposals and counter-proposals
were made and rejected. Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the most powerful leader of the
untouchables, met Gandhi and assured him that he would try his best to find a
solution.
On the third day of his fast,
Gandhi’s condition became bad. He grew very weak and he had to be carried to
the bathroom on a stretcher. His blood pressure started rising. The authorities
panicked and sent for his wife. They also allowed all his friends and followers
to be with him.
The Indian people felt desperate.
Gandhi might die and leave them leaderless. The other political leaders had
failed, for they were unable to find a solution which would enable Gandhi to
break his fast.