Demand for Buddhist Control Over Mahabodhi Temple Intensifies

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has made a renewed call for the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya to be entirely overseen by Buddhists.

During a press conference, Athawale announced a protest rally set for October 14, starting from Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla to Azad Maidan in Mumbai, aiming to push for the demand that the Mahabodhi Temple Trust be exclusively managed by the Buddhist community.

Athawale emphasized the temple's sacred significance to Buddhists and criticized the current management structure, which includes both Hindu and Buddhist members, arguing that it should be under complete Buddhist control. He pointed out that practices opposed by Gautam Buddha are occurring on the temple premises.

(With inputs from agencies.)