Gandhi was duplicitous on caste.

In 1936, Gandhi declared his commitment to alleviating the suffering of lower-caste people during the Poona Pact negotiations.

Two months later, he wrote an essay titled “The Ideal Bhangi.” An excerpt from the essay:

"My ideal Bhangi would know the quality of night-soil and urine. He would keep a close watch on these and give a timely warning to the individual concerned. Thus he will give a timely notice of the results of his examination of the excreta. That presupposes a scientific knowledge of the requirements of his profession. He would likewise be an authority on the subject of disposal of night-soil in small villages as well as big cities and his advice and guidance in the matter would be sought for and freely given to society. It goes without saying that he would have the usual learning necessary for reaching the standard here laid down for his profession. Such an ideal Bhangi, while deriving his livelihood from his occupation, would approach it only as a sacred duty."

Source: http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00ambedkar/timeline/graphics/txt_gandhi_1936_bhangis.pdf

In Gandhi’s vision, the only perfection permitted to the “Bhangis” was within their caste occupation.

This is why he's a hero only to the upper castes.

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Gandhi was "a great man, but he had his weaknesses, his moods and his failings," Nehru told Attenborough, adding: "Whatever you do, do not deify him".

We shouldn't either.

It's great to see a nuanced discussion on Gandhi on this platform.