Why did Mahatma Gandhi find in ‘salt’ a powerful symbol that could unite the nation? Explain

Mahatma Gandhi found ‘salt’ a powerful symbol: Gandhiji sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands on 31st January 1930. The most stirring of all was to abolish the salt tax. Salt was one of the most essential items of food. Irwin was unwilling to negotiate. So, Gandhiji started famous salt march. The march was over 240 miles, from Sabarmati to Dandi. Thousands came to hear Gandhiji wherever he stopped. He urged them to peacefully defy the British. On 6th April he reached Dandi and violated the law.