At home Gandhi found that the
government had returned to the policy of repression. There were widespread
arrests and the government seized the properties and bank balances of people
and organizations that were hostile to their interests.
Early in 1932 Gandhi wanted to meet
the new Viceroy Lord Willingdon, but the Viceroty made it clear that the days
of negotiation were over.
Gandhi informed the authorities
that he was again starting a civil disobedience campaign. The Viceroy thought
it was a threat. He had Gandhi arrested imprisoned in yerawada Central Jail.
Several other leaders and many of Gandhi’s followers were also arrested and
sent to jail.
In March the struggle entered a new
phase. Gandhi had always insisted that the untouchables were a part of the
Hindus and must be treated as Hindus. Now, however, it was announced that the
British proposed to set up separate voting for the untouchables. That meant
that untouchables could vote only for members of their own caste.