New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed an upcoming RSS Event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Bhagwat plans to speak at a Manhattan gathering on August 29. Organisers have called the event the “Universal Oneness Celebration”.
However, Mamdani questioned whether New York City could legally cancel a private event.
“I don’t support the rally,” Mamdani said. “But I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction over cancelling a private event.”
Mamdani voices concerns
Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor, also spoke about his connection to India.
He said his family taught him to view India as a pluralistic and secular republic. However, he said the rise of an exclusionary political movement had become deeply troubling.
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Meanwhile, organisers say the gathering will celebrate Hindu American heritage and promote interfaith unity.
Several local groups have criticised the event because of Bhagwat’s participation and the RSS’s record.
RSS rejects criticism
The RSS has long influenced the BJP, India’s ruling party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has longstanding ties to the organisation.
In May, the RSS said it had organised overseas visits to challenge claims that it operates as a paramilitary group.
The organisation rejects accusations of intolerance. Instead, it describes itself as a Hindu-centric cultural and civilisational movement that seeks to unite Hindus.
Human rights concerns
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has accused the RSS of involvement in violence and intolerance against minority communities.
At the same time, the United Nations and human rights organisations have raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in India.
They have cited rising hate speech, a religion-based citizenship law and demolitions involving Muslim-owned properties.
However, the BJP-led Indian government rejects allegations of discrimination. It says its welfare programmes benefit people from all communities.
