The Communal Award was announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald on 16 August 1932 to solve India’s communal issues after earlier failures like the Simon Commission and Round Table Conferences. It introduced separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and Untouchables, with reserved seats and weightage for minorities. Muslims welcomed it as they gained majority in Bengal and Punjab, while Sikhs and Hindus opposed it. Gandhi strongly resisted separate electorates for Untouchables, leading to his fast and the Poona Pact with Dr. Ambedkar, which replaced separate electorates with reserved seats in joint electorates. The Award strengthened Muslims politically and gave importance to Untouchables but failed as it deepened communal divisions, split Hindu society, created mistrust, and helped the British continue their “divide and rule” policy.