Only Dalai Lama Can Decide His Successor, Says Union Minister Kiren Rijiju After China Rejects Tibetan Spiritual Leader’s Succession Plan

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (3 July) asserted that the Dalai Lama alone holds the authority to determine his successor, marking India’s first explicit stand against China’s claims on the issue, Times of India reported.

The Tibetan spiritual leader declared on Wednesday that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue, with the Gaden Phodrang Trust under his office holding exclusive authority to identify his future reincarnation.

Speaking to the media, Rijiju underlined the Dalai Lama’s central role in global Buddhist traditions.

"The Dalai Lama holds a deeply significant position not only for Tibetans but also for millions of his followers around the world. The decision regarding his successor lies solely with the Dalai Lama," Rijiju was quoted as saying by ToI.

"And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," he added.

Rjiju's remarks comes after China’s rejection of the Dalai Lama’s succession plan, insisting it must be sanctioned by "approved by the Chinese government."

"The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told news agency AFP.

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