New York: Politics has heated up in New York regarding the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) senior Mohan Bhagwat to America. New York Municipality Mayor Zohran Mamdani has openly opposed his programme stuff held at Madison Square Garden. However, he moreover said that this is a private event, so he does not know whether the municipality has the right to cancel it or not.
When will the event be held in Madison Square Garden?
Mohan Bhagwat has reached America as part of the global outreach wayfarers of RSS's centenary year. He will write the Indian polity at the 'Universal Oneness' event at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29. Virtually 5,000 people are expected to shepherd the event and it is stuff organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD). After this he will moreover go to Canada and Britain.
#WATCH | RSS senior Mohan Bhagwat arrives in New York, US. pic.twitter.com/K36RBsff93
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2026What did Mayor Mamdani say?
When Mamdani was asked well-nigh this in the printing conference, he unmistakably said, "I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the municipality has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event." I mean, I don't support this rally, but I don't know if the municipality has the validity to cancel a private event.
Mamdani said that the RSS programme is to be held on August 29 and Bhagwat will write virtually 5,000 people on the same day.
#WATCH | RSS Senior Mohan Bhagwat is set to write the Indian diaspora in New York for the 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' at Madison Square Garden on August 29, 2026.
Ahead of the event, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, "I moreover stand here as the first Indian American mayor… pic.twitter.com/MudVcDC83q
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2026What did Mamdani say well-nigh India?
Referring to his Indian roots, Mamdani said that he is the first Indian-American mayor in the history of New York and his mother's family still lives in India. He said that the picture of India shown to him by his family was of a pluralistic society and secular republic. Thi, who believes in the belongingness of every person. He said that it is extremely torturous for any country to see the rise of a movement based on exclusionary thinking and he is strongly opposed to it.
Which organisations came to protest?
A day surpassing the event, several organisations protested outside New York Municipality Hall under the imprint of "No Platform for Hate". This included organisations like Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Hindus for Human Rights, Interfaith Center of New York and Dalit Solidarity Forum. They say that New York's most prestigious platform should not be given to the ideology of hatred.
What do the organisers say?
According to AHEAD Forum, this programme is based on the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. Organiser Aditi Banerjee said that this event withal with the triumph of Raksha Bandhan gives the message of unity, societal responsibility and global harmony.
