New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed the planned appearance of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden, saying he does not support the event. Bhagwat is scheduled to address a gathering of around 5,000 people at Madison Square Garden on August 29 as part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary-year global outreach programme.
Mamdani, however, said the city may not have the authority to cancel the programme as it is a private event.
Several civil rights and interfaith organisations, including Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council and Interfaith Centre of New York, have opposed Bhagwat’s appearance and urged the iconic venue to cancel the event.
Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani said the India he learned about from his family was a “pluralistic society” and a “secular republic” where everyone belongs. He said he was deeply concerned about the rise of what he described as an “exclusionary vision.”
Mamdani, who is of Indian origin, said he strongly opposes such a vision both as an Indian-American and as the mayor of a city that believes in the belonging of every person, regardless of colour, creed, religion or place of origin.
Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS centenary-year outreach programme. His international tour also includes Canada and the UK.
The event is being hosted by AHEAD Forum under the banner “Universal Oneness Celebration.” The organisers say Bhagwat’s visit carries the message that the world is one family and encourages people to look beyond divisions and differences.
RSS joint general secretary CR Mukunda said the overseas tour aims to present a factual and positive perspective on India, Hindu society and the RSS.
