New York Mayor Criticises Mohan Bhagwat's Upcoming Event

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed the planned event at Madison Square Garden where Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is set to speak. The event, scheduled for August 29, 2026, aims to celebrate the centenary of the RSS. Despite his disapproval, Mamdani acknowledged that the city may lack the authority to cancel the private gathering.

The mayor's remarks came shortly after Bhagwat arrived in the United States for a series of events aimed at connecting with the Indian diaspora. Mamdani mentioned at a press briefing, “I don't support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event.” He emphasised his identity as the first Indian American mayor, stressing his affiliation with an inclusive vision of India, which he described as a "pluralistic society and a secular republic."

The mayor articulated his concerns about the rising tide of exclusionary movements, stating, “It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country.” He affirmed his commitment to oppose ideologies that contradict the values of inclusivity he believes in as both a mayor and as someone with familial ties to India.

In response to Bhagwat's upcoming address, several interfaith and civil rights organisations have rallied against the event. A coalition including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Centre of New York held a press conference outside New York City Hall. They urged the venue to reconsider hosting the event, citing similar concerns about exclusivity.

The event, named the Universal Oneness Celebration, is organised by AHEAD Forum. The group has described the gathering's message as one promoting unity, stating that it encourages people to transcend artificial divisions and foster a sense of collective belonging.

The RSS chief's tour of the United States is part of a broader outreach programme which also extends to Canada and the United Kingdom, coinciding with the RSS's hundred-year celebration. This initiative has attracted a varied response, characterised by both support from attendees and protests from opposition groups.