Gangtok: The Sikkim chapter of the All India Buddhist Forum wants the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 overhauled. They demand an all-Buddhist panel run the Mahabodhi Temple. The group met at a Gangtok hotel on September 28 to push the agenda. General Secretary Akash Lama led the proceedings.
Members hate the current mix of temple trustees. They claim non-Buddhists should not hold seats on the board. The issue is currently sub judice, but the group hopes better unity will force a change. They mean business.
Participants claimed the temple handles crores of rupees. Some attendees alleged that financial greed keeps non-Buddhists in power. Others attacked an unnamed caste, claiming it harmed Buddhist interests. These claims lack independent evidence. General Secretary Anand Lama remained firm on his stance. He said, "The organisation's principal demand was the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act and the inclusion of only Buddhists in the management committee."
The debate over who runs the temple continues. Legal and public arguments persist. The forum is not backing down.
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