Bodh Gaya Temple Act and the Ongoing Protests
Background of Bodh Gaya and the Temple
- Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the peepal tree by the Niranjana river, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Mahabodhi Temple, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C., is managed by the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC).
- The BTMC consists of four Buddhists and four Hindus, with the District Magistrate of Gaya as the ex-officio chairperson.
Current Protests and Demands
Since February 12, 2025, Buddhist monks and Bhim Army members have been protesting for the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BT), 1949. The All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) leads this protest.
- Protestors demand full control over the temple management, opposing the presence of non-Buddhists in the committee.
- They believe the current constitution of the BTMC is dominated by vested interests and tarnishes Buddhist traditions.
Historical Context and Legal Developments
- The temple site has a complex history involving Hindu management since the 13th century after Bakhtiyar Khilji's conquests.
- The BT Act, post-independence, allowed both Hindus and Buddhists the right to worship, though it has sparked ongoing disputes.
- An attempt to replace the BT Act with the Bodh Gaya Mahavihara Bill in the 1990s was unsuccessful.
Political and Social Implications
- The protests have gained political attention, with several legislators raising the issue in Parliament and the State Assembly.
- Opposition to the BT Act has been compared to debates over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, highlighting religious governance issues.
Financial and Administrative Concerns
- There have been allegations of financial mismanagement within the temple, with past conflicts over foreign donations.
- The temple's financial affairs are governed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, though transparency issues remain.
- In 2023, the BTMC faced a ₹80 lakh fine for FCRA violations.
Future Prospects
- The protestors continue their sit-in, with growing numbers and support from various legislators and religious organizations.
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced development plans for the Mahabodhi temple complex, similar to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor.