Protests have intensified in New York City over a planned appearance by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden, where he is expected to address around 5,000 Indian Americans.

The event, titled the “Universal Oneness Celebration,” is being organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue and is scheduled to take place at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The gathering has faced growing opposition from interfaith and civil rights organisations, with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also publicly voicing his opposition to the programme.

Mamdani has described the RSS ideology as exclusionary and said it runs counter to what he considers the pluralistic values of New York City. However, the city may not have the authority to cancel the privately organized event.

The controversy has also drawn the attention of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has urged the US government to consider sanctions against RSS members and revoke Bhagwat’s visa over alleged violations of religious freedom in India.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs, however, rejected the commission’s remarks, accusing USCIRF of being biased and lacking credibility.

Opposition to the event has brought together several interfaith and civil rights organisations. Groups including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council and the Interfaith Center of New York held a news conference outside New York City Hall, calling for the gathering to be cancelled.

According to Times Now, Sunita Viswanath, executive director of Hindus for Human Rights, said her organization was among 61 interfaith and secular groups that had signed an open letter against the event. She argued that the RSS and its Hindutva ideology did not represent all Hindu Americans.

Some activists have also said they plan to travel to New York to demonstrate outside the venue. Indian American Muslim activist Safa Ahmed said she was concerned by what she described as support for Bhagwat’s “politics of hate”.

The Hindu American Foundation, meanwhile, has urged those attending the programme to remain vigilant, maintain civility and be aware of their surroundings. The organization also criticized Mamdani’s opposition, saying the mayor has a responsibility to protect New Yorkers regardless of their religion, national origin or political views.

Organisers have defended the gathering, saying it is intended to foster unity, dialogue and mutual understanding. American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue said the initiative involves more than 200 Hindu American organisations.

RSS national spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said Bhagwat would engage with a diverse, multicultural, and multifaith audience, describing the programme as an initiative based on open dialogue, mutual respect and the inclusive traditions of Indian society.

BOB Post