Gayaji: As election fever grips Bihar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge began his day on a spiritual note by visiting the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple in Bodhgaya on Saturday. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most sacred places in Buddhism. Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, was joined by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal during the visit.
Kharge arrived in Bodhgaya early in the morning and was welcomed by monks and dignitaries from the monastery. He offered prayers before the statue of Lord Buddha inside the main temple and spent some time in quiet meditation. Later, he visited the Bodhi Tree, the ancient tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. Kharge also met representatives of the Mahabodhi Society and monks who shared details about the temple’s long history and cultural importance.
Speaking to the media after his visit, Kharge said that Lord Buddha’s teachings continue to guide humanity even today. He said the message of non-violence, compassion, and equality is needed more than ever in a world facing growing intolerance and division. Calling it a privilege to visit such a sacred place, Kharge said he felt peaceful and spiritually refreshed. He added that he hoped to visit the holy site again in the future.
After completing his spiritual visit, Kharge left for Patna, where he is expected to hold a meeting with party workers and review Congress’s strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Political observers believe that his visit to Bodhgaya was not just about spirituality but also carried a political message — highlighting values of peace and unity at a time when political tensions in the state are high.
