The Akhil Bharatiya Bhikhu Sangh, along with all Ambedkarite parties and the Ambedkarwadi Bahujan Vikas Samiti, have demanded the installation of a large statue of Lord Gautam Buddha at the Harsul T-point, considering the large influx of international and national tourists visiting Ajanta Caves via this route.
A delegation comprising Buddhist monks met with District Collector Dilip Swami and submitted a memorandum regarding this demand.
The monks highlighted that the Bhikhu Sangh and several other organizations have been advocating for the installation of a significant statue of Lord Buddha at the Harsul T-point, a crucial junction for tourists en route to the world-renowned Ajanta Caves. However, despite verbal assurances from former Municipal Corporation Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhary, no concrete action has been taken by the administration. Although the Harsul T-point underwent beautification, the promised statue of Lord Buddha has not been erected yet.
2 statues already sanctioned
During the temporary tenure of Municipal Corporation Administrator G Srikanth as the district collector, he sanctioned two statues within the city, including one of Bhagwan Mahavir at Hotel Vedant and another of Rajmata Jijau at Cambridge Chowk, with a budget of ₹5 crores. Despite these developments, the administration has shown apathy towards fulfilling the longstanding demand for a statue of Lord Buddha at Harsul, as reiterated by the local residents for several years.
The delegation has issued a stern warning of launching a severe agitation if their demand is not addressed promptly.
Present during the delegation were Bhadant Vishudhanand Bodhi Mahathero, Bhante Sanghpriya, Deepak Nikalje, Bhante Bodhi Dhammo, Bhante Nirvan, and others.
