The Mooknayak Analysis/Bihar— Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are approaching, and every political party is preparing to reach out to voters across communities. Dalits, Adivasis, and followers of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have become key voter groups for almost all political outfits. Leaders invoke Baba Saheb’s name and talk about the Constitution to gain their trust. But one crucial question remains unanswered — when it comes to giving justice to Buddhists fighting for their rights over the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, why does no political party take a stand?

Despite the BJP-led NDA government being in power at the Centre and in Bihar for years, Buddhists continue to struggle for their rightful control over the sacred Mahabodhi Temple. For decades, Buddhist monks and organizations have demanded that the management of the temple be handed over fully to the Buddhist community. Yet, no government has shown the political will to fulfill this long-pending demand.

The Core of the Dispute: Who Controls the Mahabodhi Temple?

The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the holiest places for Buddhists worldwide. It is believed to be the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment around 2,500 years ago. However, control of this sacred temple has been a matter of dispute for decades.

As per the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) Act, 1949, the temple’s management is shared between Hindus and Buddhists. The law states that the committee will have eight members — four Hindus and four Buddhists — but the Chairperson must always be a Hindu, even though the temple is a Buddhist shrine. Buddhists see this as an injustice and a violation of their religious rights.

Buddhist leaders and organizations from India and abroad have repeatedly demanded that the BTMC Act be repealed and full control of the temple be handed over to Buddhists. However, despite several protests, petitions, and appeals, the demand remains ignored.

A Long Struggle for Justice

For over seven decades, Buddhists have been struggling for their rights over the Mahabodhi Temple. Several peaceful protests have been organized in Bodh Gaya, Delhi, and other cities. Many Buddhist monks have even gone on hunger strikes, but successive governments — both at the Centre and in Bihar — have failed to act.

Organizations like the All India Bhikkhu Sangha, Bodh Gaya Temple Liberation Action Committee, and Akhil Bharatiya Bhikkhu Mahasangh have consistently raised their voices. They argue that while Hindu temples across India are managed by Hindus and Muslim mosques by Muslims, the most sacred Buddhist temple in the world should naturally be managed by Buddhists alone.

Even international Buddhist organizations from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, and Myanmar have expressed concern about the issue. Yet, no concrete step has been taken by any Indian government to amend the BTMC Act.

BJP and NDA’s Silence

The BJP-led NDA has been ruling Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United). At the Centre, the BJP has been in power for more than a decade. But despite having full control at both levels, the government has not taken any visible step to hand over the Mahabodhi Temple to Buddhists.

Many Buddhist monks feel betrayed. They had high hopes from the BJP, as the party often talks about India’s rich Buddhist heritage and promotes Buddhist tourism under its cultural diplomacy. However, on the ground, the demands of Indian Buddhists remain unfulfilled.

Rahul Gandhi’s Newfound ‘Love’ for the Constitution and Ambedkar

In recent years, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been openly expressing admiration for the Indian Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In almost every public meeting, rally, or social media post, he talks about Ambedkar’s vision, the protection of the Constitution, and the rights of Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities.

This shift has been noticed especially after the formation of the INDIA alliance, which aims to take on the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi often projects himself as a defender of constitutional values and social justice. His speeches frequently mention the importance of equality and empowerment of marginalized groups.

But when it comes to the issue of Buddhists’ rights over the Mahabodhi Temple, there is complete silence from both Congress and the INDIA bloc.

Why Doesn’t the INDIA Alliance Talk About the BTMC Act?

As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly polls, the INDIA alliance parties — including Congress, RJD, and Left parties — are preparing their manifestos. They speak about unemployment, price rise, caste census, and farmers’ issues. But there is not even a single mention of the Mahabodhi Temple dispute or the demand to repeal the BTMC Act.

If these parties truly believe in social justice and equality, why don’t they promise to hand over Mahabodhi Temple to Buddhists if they come to power? Why not declare in their manifesto that they will repeal the BTMC Act 1949 and give Buddhists full control over their holiest shrine?

The question becomes more relevant because these same parties often criticize the BJP for ignoring the marginalized. Yet, they too seem hesitant to take up a cause that might upset certain sections of Hindu voters.

A Matter Beyond Religion — A Question of Rights

The struggle for control over the Mahabodhi Temple is not just about religion. It is also a matter of cultural identity and justice. For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is not merely a temple; it is the very heart of their faith. To deny them the right to manage it is to deny them ownership over their own spiritual heritage.

Legal experts also question the fairness of the BTMC Act. Many argue that in a secular country like India, the state should not impose a religious majority’s dominance over a minority’s sacred site. They say that the current structure violates the principles of equality guaranteed by the Constitution.

Will Any Party Take a Stand in 2025?

With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, all major parties are eyeing the Dalit-Buddhist-Ambedkarite vote bank. Yet, when it comes to taking a firm position on the Mahabodhi Temple issue, silence dominates.

The Buddhist community in Bihar and across India is watching closely. They are looking for a political force that not only seeks their votes but also stands with them in their struggle for justice.

Until then, the question will continue to echo:

If every party claims to respect Buddha and Ambedkar, why are Buddhists still denied their rightful control over the Mahabodhi Temple?