New Delhi, March 2026: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has made a strong appeal for the complete handover of the management of the Mahabodhi Mahavihar in Bodh Gaya, Bihar- one of the holiest sites in Buddhism - to the Buddhist community.

Athawale, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, drew a parallel with the widespread national acceptance of the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya. He argued that just as the Ram Temple was welcomed as a matter of faith for millions of Hindus, the demand for Buddhist-led administration of the Mahabodhi Temple should also be embraced in the spirit of equality and religious respect.

"The Ram Temple was a matter of faith for crores of Hindus, and the entire country welcomed its construction positively. Similarly, the Mahabodhi Mahavihar is the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and spread the message of peace, compassion, and equality. It is only natural that Buddhists should have decisive control over its management," Athawale stated.

He pointed out the current structure under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, which governs the temple through a committee (BTMC) comprising four Buddhist and four Hindu members, with the District Magistrate of Gaya as the ex-officio chairman. Athawale questioned this arrangement, noting that major religious sites of other faiths, such as Sikh gurdwaras managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Muslim waqf properties under Waqf Boards, and Hindu temples under their respective trusts, are administered by members of the respective communities.

"Why should the world's most sacred Buddhist site not be fully managed by Buddhists? When Hindu temples have Hindu trustees, Muslim dargahs and mosques have Muslim trustees, and Sikh gurdwaras have Sikh trustees, the Mahabodhi Mahavihar should also be under complete Buddhist control," he emphasized.

Athawale invoked constitutional provisions, citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs and institutions. He stressed that this demand is not about confrontation but about upholding constitutional equality, religious freedom, and mutual respect — the true strength of India's diversity.

The issue has gained renewed momentum amid ongoing advocacy by Buddhist groups. A long-pending writ petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 380/2012), is scheduled for final hearing in the Supreme Court on April 28. Earlier petitions on similar grounds have faced procedural hurdles, including one dismissed in June 2025 with directions to approach the Patna High Court.

Athawale's remarks come against the backdrop of sustained campaigns, including hunger strikes, rallies, and meetings with top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He has previously led major protests, such as the October 2025 rally in Mumbai on Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day, under the banner of the "Mahabodhi Mahavihar Mukti Andolan" (Liberation Movement).

Supporters view this as an opportunity to strengthen India's inclusive democratic traditions. "Respecting each other's faith builds constitutional harmony. The Ram Temple was celebrated nationwide; the same spirit should extend to ensuring justice for Buddhists at their holiest shrine," Athawale concluded.