“MLAs must lead the movement”: Tsheten Tashi Bhutia at Sikkim Dharna for Bodh Gaya Act repeal

A day-long peaceful protest demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act was held in Sikkim on Tuesday, March 10, as members of the Buddhist community gathered for a dharna organised by the All India Buddhist Forum (Sikkim Chapter). The protest formed part of a wider nationwide campaign being carried out by the forum to press for changes to the law governing the management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.

Addressing the gathering, social activist Tsheten Tashi Bhutia emphasised the need for stronger leadership from elected representatives, stating that legislators from the Himalayan state must take a leading role in the movement. According to him, the issue holds particular significance in Sikkim, which has one of the highest proportions of Buddhists in the country.

“In my view, the MLAs of Sikkim should take the lead and move forward on this issue,” Bhutia said while addressing participants at the protest. He argued that the state’s demographic composition gives its legislators a greater responsibility to raise the matter at political and policy levels.

Bhutia noted that while the Buddhist community has shown willingness to mobilise on the issue, many people expect their elected representatives to stand at the forefront of the movement. He also expressed concern that there appears to be hesitation among some leaders, saying that the community had hoped for stronger and more decisive support.

The activist explained that the protest was organised to highlight the concerns of the Buddhist community and demonstrate public backing for the demand to repeal the law. Although the gathering was relatively modest in size, he insisted that it reflected broader support from various sections of the community.

“You may feel that the turnout is small, but it is not insignificant,” Bhutia said, pointing out that representatives from different Buddhist groups were present at the dharna. Members of the Lama community were also among those who participated in the demonstration.

According to Bhutia, there was unanimous support among those attending the protest for the demand raised by the All India Buddhist Forum. At the same time, he acknowledged that some individuals who support the cause might not have been able to attend due to political considerations or other constraints.

During his address, Bhutia also stressed the need for a practical approach when dealing with issues related to religion and community rights. He said that discussions alone would not be sufficient and that concrete steps must be taken to address the concerns being raised.

“On matters related to religion, we must be practical. It should not remain only in words; we must be able to implement it practically,” he said.

Bhutia also criticised the absence of the Sangha MLA during the protest, describing it as a negligent move in the context of Sikkim’s identity as an important Buddhist centre in India. He said the presence of representatives associated with the monastic community would have sent a strong message of unity and solidarity.

The protest remained peaceful throughout the day, with participants staging a dharna and voicing their support for the forum’s demand. The Bodh Gaya Temple Act has been a subject of debate among Buddhist groups for several years, with several organisations across India calling for amendments or repeal of the legislation through representations, discussions and peaceful demonstrations.