Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?

The political leaders during that time were of different mentality. While some gave importance to nation others were worried about the fate of community they belonged to. Muslims leaders like Jinnah and Mohammad Iqbal feared that without Separate electorates the interest and desires of Muslims in India would be undermined. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were against the system of separate electorates and they believed that this will only add communalism in new India. They believed that Muslims are no different from Hindus in India and in the same way untouchables are no different from Hindus and separate electorates would further slow down the process of their integration into society. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar proposed a separate electorate for Dalits. An atmosphere of suspicion and distrust between communities prevailed which further led to division of India and reservations for minorities. Therefore, we can say that political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates.