Ambedkar Opposed Pakistan's Creation, Cited Canada-Germany Unity as Model

The partition of India has been a troubling question. Even today, the question arises as to what was the need for it. There are many similarities in the language, culture and customs of India and Pakistan. Despite this, the pain of the partition of the country due to the question of Hindus and Muslims is still in the minds of Indians. Mohammad Ali Jinnah is considered to be the biggest factor in this partition, while the wave of communalism also became a reason for it. But there were many leaders in that era who opposed the partition of the country. One of these leaders was Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. He is known as the creator of the Indian Constitution, but he also spoke openly on communal issues and the partition of India.

Ambedkar Opposed Pakistan's Creation

From Babasaheb Ambedkar's book 'Pakistan or the Partition of India', we can know his thoughts in the context of partition. Ambedkar had clearly said that when countries like Canada, Switzerland and Germany have people with different cultures and identities and they can live together, then why can't this happen in India. On the question of Hindu and Muslim communities being called separate nations, he had openly said that even if this happens, they can live together.

Ambedkar’s Stand Against Pakistan

Bhimrao Ambedkar writes, 'No one can deny that many ways, methods, religious and social customs of Hindus and Muslims are similar. No one can also deny that there are such customs and rituals which are based on religion and they are different. Due to them, Hindus and Muslims are divided into two parts. The question is on which thing more emphasis should be given. If emphasis is given on those things which are found equally in both, then there is no need for two nations in India. But if attention is given to those things which are generally different, then in such a situation the question of two nations is undoubtedly correct.'

Ambedkar’s Vision: Canada and Germany as Examples to Oppose Pakistan

Further, citing the example of Canada, he writes, 'If it is accepted that the Muslims of India are one nation, then is India the only country where two nations are going to emerge? What is your opinion about Canada? Everyone knows that in Canada, the British and the French are two nations. Are not the British and the Dutch two nations in South Africa? Who does not know that in Switzerland, there are three nations, German, French and Italian. Did the French in Canada demand partition?' Bhimrao Ambedkar had strongly opposed the wave of partition and communal politics that arose at that time. Giving the example of these countries, he had said that when they can live together, why can't this happen in India.

'Why can't we live together like Canada and Switzerland'
Ambedkar wrote, 'After the example of the French in Canada, the British in South Africa and the French and Italians in Switzerland, the question arises why this cannot happen in India? Assuming that Hindus and Muslims are divided into two nations, why cannot they live in one country under one constitution. What is the need for the partition of India in view of the two-nation theory? Why are Muslims so afraid of the erosion of their nationality and culture if they live with Hindus?'