Buddhist Organizations Demand Exclusive Management of Mahabodhi Temple, Led by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale emphasized the historical and religious importance of the Mahabodhi Temple during a significant protest.

Ambedkarite and Buddhist organizations, led by a Union Minister, conducted a substantial demonstration in Mumbai on Tuesday, advocating for exclusive Buddhist management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. Protesters also called for the abolition of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act of 1949, which currently delegates administration to a committee consisting of four Buddhists, four Hindus, and the district collector.

During the demonstration, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Republican Party of India (A) president Ramdas Athawale highlighted the temple's profound historical and religious significance, mentioning that Emperor Ashoka had constructed the Mahavihar. "This temple represents a crucial site for all Buddhists. Under the 1949 Act, management is shared between four Buddhists, four Hindus, and the collector. We harbor no animosity toward Hindus, but is it appropriate for someone from another faith to administer our temple?" he questioned.

Athawale, who has discussed the matter with Bihar Governor Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed optimism that a resolution could be achieved at the central government level. He drew a comparison with the Ayodhya case, stating: "When the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on Ayodhya, the Muslim community accepted it. Similarly, a favorable decision should be reached here, and the temple should be transferred to Buddhist management."

The protest also underscored the necessity for solidarity among Ambedkarite leaders. "I extended an invitation to Prakash Ambedkar (Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief and BR Ambedkar's grandson) to lead a rally with my support, but he declined. When we united in 1998, we had numerous MPs. We will strive for unity in the future, though successful collaboration remains elusive until then," Athawale remarked.

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad also endorsed the demand and committed to raising the issue in Parliament. She emphasized that while religious sites of other faiths are exclusively managed by their adherents, Buddhists lack complete authority over the Mahabodhi Temple. "We have been advocating this position from Parliament to public demonstrations. The Bihar government falls under central authority; the Prime Minister can collaborate with Nitish Kumar to modify the Act. Our demand is unambiguous: the BT Act should be repealed, and Buddhists should have exclusive management rights," she declared.