Archive · 27 Aug 2026
RSS Defends Bhagwat New York Event After Mamdani Opposition
A large event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is planned in New York City.
It is scheduled for Madison Square Garden on August 29.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support the event.
He said he was unsure whether the city could cancel a private gathering.
Mamdani said he opposed movements based on an exclusionary vision.
Some interfaith and civil rights groups also urged the venue to cancel the event.
BJP leader Ameet Satam criticised Mamdani and said the RSS helps with nation-building and humanitarian work.
The RSS said the event will encourage open dialogue, mutual respect, harmony and the idea that the world is one family.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he opposed a planned RSS event at Madison Square Garden.
Mamdani questioned whether the city had jurisdiction to cancel the private gathering.
BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam accused Mamdani of having a distorted and biased understanding of pluralism.
The RSS said the Universal Oneness Celebration would promote open dialogue, mutual respect and an inclusive Bharatiya ethos.
Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address about 5,000 Indian diaspora members on August 29.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam and RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar are central figures; several interfaith and civil rights groups also oppose the event.
- What
- A planned Universal Oneness Celebration featuring Bhagwat has prompted opposition from Mamdani and criticism from Satam, while the RSS has defended the programme.
- When
- Mamdani's remarks were reported on August 25, 2026; the RSS response came on August 26, and the event is scheduled for August 29.
- Where
- Madison Square Garden in New York City.
- Why
- Mamdani and protesting groups object to what they describe as an exclusionary political vision, while the RSS and organisers say the event promotes inclusion, mutual respect, harmony and oneness.
Opponents of the Event
RSS and BJP Defense
Pluralism and inclusion
Opponents of the Event
Mamdani and protesting organisations say they oppose an increasingly exclusionary political movement and support belonging regardless of colour, creed, religion or background.
RSS and BJP Defense
The RSS says the event reflects an inclusive Bharatiya ethos, while Ameet Satam accuses Mamdani of having a distorted and biased understanding of pluralism.
City authority to cancel
Opponents of the Event
Mamdani said he does not support the rally but was unsure whether New York City had jurisdiction to cancel a private event.
RSS and BJP Defense
The programme is being presented as a private event organised by AHEAD Forum, and no city cancellation was reported.
Purpose of the RSS event
Opponents of the Event
Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, the Interfaith Center of New York and other groups urged Madison Square Garden to cancel Bhagwat's appearance.
RSS and BJP Defense
The RSS said the event would foster understanding and shared purpose through open dialogue, mutual respect, harmony and oneness.
- Event
- Universal Oneness Celebration
- Speaker
- Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Scheduled date
- August 29
- Expected attendance
- Around 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora
- Organiser
- AHEAD Forum
- Stated message
- Open dialogue, mutual respect, harmony, oneness and the idea that the world is one family
