Mahatma Gandhi protested against the Communal Award and went on a fast unto death in the Yerawada jail.

On September 20, 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yeravada Jail to protest against the British Communal Award, which included separate electorates for the "Depressed Classes" (Dalits or Untouchables).

Gandhi viewed separate electorates as a threat to Hindu unity and the social integration of Dalits.

His fast sparked negotiations and ultimately led to the Poona Pact, an agreement between Gandhi and B R Ambedkar that secured more reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within a joint electorate system.