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Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Republican Party of India (RPI) President Ramdas Athawale met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna, urging the immediate repeal of the Mahabodhi Temple Act.
Following the meeting, Athawale stated that Kumar gave a positive assurance regarding the demand.
Athawale reaffirmed his full support for the ongoing movement by Buddhist monks demanding the liberation of Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya.
He highlighted that monks and nuns from across India are arriving in Bodh Gaya to participate in the protest to protect the legacy of Lord Buddha.
Athawale emphasized that only Buddhist individuals should hold key positions such as President and Secretary of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Trust.
He insisted that all trust members should be Buddhists. The RPI has strongly demanded that the Bihar Legislative Assembly repeal the Mahabodhi Temple Act to facilitate this transition.
To push for the repeal of the Act, Athawale announced that RPI will hold a strong protest in Delhi. He also declared an immediate financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to support the movement.
Athawale recalled that his party has supported the Mahabodhi liberation movement since Bhadant Nagarjuna Surai Susai initiated it.
He stressed that Buddhism promotes human rights, dignity, and equality, making it a vital path for Dalit empowerment.
Athawale reaffirmed his commitment to bringing the Mahabodhi Mahavihara under full Buddhist control.
The event saw participation from several monks, including Venerable Akash Lama, alongside key RPI leaders such as Shiv Mishra, Vijay Gupta, Prakash Jadhav, and Subodh Bharat.
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