Union Minister Rijiju backs Dalai Lama’s sole right to choose successor, says no need for India to speak on the issue

10 months ago

New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama’s successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself, reflecting the belief of his followers worldwide amid China’s recent statement on the matter.

“I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself," Rijiju said.

Emphasising that there should be no ambiguity on the matter, he added, “There is no need for us to be in confusion regarding the Dalai Lama issue. All the people who follow Buddhism as their religion and his followers think that the Dalai Lama should choose his successor on his own. There is no need for us or the Government of India to speak on this."

Refusing to directly address Beijing’s remarks, Rijiju said, “I don’t want to react on China’s statement. The people who follow the Dalai Lama think that he will choose his successor. ...

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