The controversy surrounding Mohan Bhagwat’s event in New York has intensified. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani has refused to support the event linked to the RSS. Several organizations have also expressed their opposition to the event.
न्यूयॉर्क में भागवत के कार्यक्रम का विरोध, मेयर बोले- “RSS की विचारधारा अप्पतिजनक”
A controversy has erupted over a proposed event in New York featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. New York City official Zohran Mamdani has flatly refused to support the RSS-linked event scheduled for August 29 at Madison Square Garden. Mamdani stated that while he does not support such an event, it is a private gathering, and he is unsure whether the city administration has the authority to cancel it. His remarks come as Mohan Bhagwat arrives in the US as part of a three-nation tour.
‘My understanding of India is rooted in a pluralistic society’
At a press conference, Mamdani voiced his objections regarding the RSS and the proposed event. He said, “I do not support this event, but I do not know if the city administration has the authority to cancel a private event.”
Mamdani also spoke of his Indian heritage and the understanding of India he gained from his family. He said, “I stand here as the first Indian-American [official] in the history of our city. My mother’s entire family still lives in India. The perspective on India I received from my family—and the environment in which I grew up—was one of a pluralistic society. It was a secular republic that believed every person connected to India held an equal place and equal rights within the country.”
He added that his family had shown him an image of India defined by diversity, coexistence, and a sense of equal space for all people.
‘Strong opposition to a movement based on exclusionary ideology’
Mamdani also openly expressed his disagreement with the ideology of the RSS. He stated, “To be honest, it is deeply concerning for any country to see the rise of a movement whose ideology is based on a vision of segregating or excluding certain segments of society. That is why I strongly oppose it.”
He emphasized that his opposition stems not only from his identity as an Indian-American but also from his role as a New York official. According to Mamdani, New York is a city that believes in every individual’s equal right to be here and claim their space, “regardless of their color, ideology, religion, faith, or place of origin.”
Mohan Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday. His visit is part of the RSS’s global outreach campaign marking its centenary year, which will take him to the US, Canada, and the UK. A ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ is scheduled to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29. Organizers expect around 5,000 people to attend the event. Upon his arrival in New York, Bhagwat was welcomed with a traditional tilak ceremony.
Demand to cancel the event
Ahead of the event, several interfaith and civil rights organizations held a press conference outside New York City Hall. These included groups such as Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Center of New York. These groups appealed to Madison Square Garden to cancel the event.
The event is being organized by AHEAD Forum (American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue). Organizers stated on social media that the event is based on the message of viewing the world as one family. According to them, “This event conveys a universal message: the entire world is one family—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” The organizers said the aim is to rise above artificial divisions and differences, recognize the bonds that unite humanity, and embrace a spirit of mutual respect, harmony, and oneness.
Prior to Bhagwat’s US visit, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had recommended avoiding high-level engagement with the RSS leadership and suggested potential sanctions. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected these recommendations. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the USCIRF as a biased body, stating that it repeatedly makes incorrect and inflammatory remarks about India and that its comments should be disregarded. Following the event in New York, Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to visit Canada and the UK as well.
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