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

Oct 14, 2025 11:20 pm CST

Ambedkarite and Buddhist groups, led by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, staged a major protest in Mumbai demanding exclusive Buddhist control of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. Protesters called for the repeal of the 1949 Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act, which currently mandates joint Hindu-Buddhist administration of this sacred Buddhist site. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad supported the cause, pledging to raise the issue in Parliament.