The dalit leaders sought a political solution to the problems faced by the depressed classes. They organised themselves and demanded reservation of seats in educational institutions so that they could be a part of the decision-making process. Dr. B R Ambedkar believed that it was only through political empowerment that the situation of the depressed classes could be made better. He tried to improve the condition of depressed classes in the following ways.
(a) He organised the dalits into an organisation called the Depressed Classes Association in 1930.
(b) He demanded separate electorates for dalits at the second Round Table Conference, which was finally conceded by the British.
(c) He signed the Poona Pact with Gandhiji and gave up the demand for separate electorates but secured reserved seats for dalits in the provincial and central legislative councils to be voted in general election.
