Leaders and activists from various factions of the Republican Party of India (RPI) staged a massive show of strength on Tuesday, October 14, marching from Metro Cinema to Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The march was organized to demand the liberation of the Mahabodhi Mahavihar in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and coincided with Dhammachakra Pravartan Day.
The protest, led by Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, called for unity among RPI groups. Athawale urged them to set aside their differences and come together on issues concerning the Buddhist community.
Chants and slogans during the march demanded amendments to the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BT Act) of 1949. The protesters argued that the Act discriminates against Buddhists by including Hindu members in the temple’s management. According to them, religious sites across India are managed by trustees from the same faith, and the same principle should apply to the Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
The march, attended by around 10,000 RPI activists from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, culminated in a public meeting at Azad Maidan. Speakers passionately questioned why the management of a central Buddhist religious site remains under Hindu control. They also criticized the state for failing to ensure religious autonomy for Buddhists.
During the event, Athawale raised the issue of RPI unification, appealing to the Ambedkar family to take the lead. He also mentioned that he has met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, demanding necessary amendments to the BT Act. Meanwhile, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar has also shown support for the cause by visiting Bodh Gaya.
The agitation for the liberation of Mahabodhi Mahavihar has been ongoing for the past six months, with rallies and protests organized across various districts in Maharashtra. The statewide campaign officially began with the Mumbai march on Tuesday.
Why the agitation?
The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 (BT Act) governs the management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. The Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMCT), established under this Act, includes non-Buddhist (Hindu) members, which has been a point of contention for decades.
Buddhist leaders argue that a temple of such religious importance to Buddhism should be managed solely by Buddhists. Protests have intensified over the past six months, drawing support from both national and international Buddhist communities. Currently, Bihar is governed by a grand alliance of Nitish Kumar’s JDU and the BJP.
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