The Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board has approved a proposal to construct a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Multiple reports say the decision is tied to the board’s first (inaugural) meeting after the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Board members state Modi is being honoured because he is seen as having given the transgender community “respect and rights.”
The board operates under the Bihar Social Welfare Department. The meeting is reported to be held at the state social welfare department in Patna, with the proposal presented during the inaugural session. A board member is quoted as saying the temple would be built in Patna, with construction beginning after the state government identifies land for the project. Reports also indicate the state government will bear the expenses.
All accounts describe the proposal as supported unanimously by board members. One outlet notes the transgender community in Bihar does not have its own temple, and also points to an existing temple dedicated to Modi in Rajkot, Gujarat.
