The Republican Party has intensified its demand for complete control of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodhgaya, Bihar, to be handed over to the Buddhist community. Despite being one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, the Mahavihara’s administration remains dominated by non-Buddhists due to provisions under the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Management Act, 1949. Party leaders have called for the immediate repeal of this outdated law and urged authorities to ensure that the Buddhist community has sole governance over their sacred site.
To further this cause, a Republican Party delegation recently met with the Konkan Commissioner and the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, submitting a formal memorandum demanding action. The party has strongly voiced concerns over the exclusion of Buddhists from the administration of their religious and historical heritage, calling it an injustice that must be rectified.
Mahesh Khare, Navi Mumbai district president of the Republican Party, emphasized the significance of the issue, stating, “Correcting this historical oversight is crucial to upholding the religious and cultural rights of the Buddhist community. The current administrative structure is not only unfair but also a violation of the principles of religious autonomy.”
The Mahabodhi Mahavihara, revered as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, holds deep spiritual importance for millions of Buddhists worldwide. However, under the 1949 Act, non-Buddhist representatives hold significant decision-making authority, leading to longstanding dissatisfaction among Buddhist groups. The Republican Party insists that the temple’s management should reflect the true stakeholders—the Buddhist monks and devotees.
The delegation has urged the government to take swift action, warning that if the demand is not met, they will escalate their efforts through protests, legal action, and mass mobilization. The party has also called upon Buddhist organizations across the country to unite in support of this demand and push for legislative changes that recognize their rightful claim over the Mahavihara’s administration.
