Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Rijiju Warns New York Protesters Over Alleged Flag Desecration
People protested outside an event in New York where Mohan Bhagwat was speaking.
Kiren Rijiju shared a video that reportedly showed someone treating the Indian flag disrespectfully.
The video also appeared to show other protesters shouting pro-Khalistan slogans.
Rijiju said people are allowed to criticize political groups and the government.
However, he said insulting India or its flag could have serious consequences.
More than 6,000 people attended the event inside Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theatre.
Bhagwat spoke about respecting diversity, helping communities and living responsibly.
He also said Indians living abroad should be loyal to the countries where they live while remembering India as their birthplace.
Kiren Rijiju warned New York protesters against allegedly insulting or desecrating the Indian national flag.
A video shared by Rijiju purportedly showed a protester with the flag tied around a foot, while others raised pro-Khalistan slogans.
The protest occurred outside Madison Square Garden on Saturday during an event addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Rijiju said people may criticize the RSS, BJP or government but warned that insulting India or its flag would have serious consequences.
Bhagwat told the Indian diaspora to remain loyal to their countries of residence while remembering India as their birthplace.
- Who
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, event attendees and protesters described in the reports as raising pro-Khalistan slogans.
- What
- A protest outside an RSS event allegedly involved disrespecting and tearing the Indian national flag, prompting a warning from Rijiju.
- When
- The protest and Bhagwat’s address occurred on Saturday; Rijiju issued his warning on Sunday during the RSS centenary year in 2025.
- Where
- Outside Madison Square Garden and at its Infosys Theatre in New York, United States.
- Why
- The protesters were demonstrating during Bhagwat’s address, but the reports do not specify their broader reasons.
- Warning
- Rijiju said criticism of the RSS, BJP and government was acceptable but warned against insulting India or its national flag.
- Alleged incident
- A purported video showed a protester with an Indian flag tied around a foot; one report also said protesters tore the flag.
- Protest location
- The protest took place outside Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Event attendance
- More than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders attended the event.
- Event themes
- Speakers emphasized unity, diversity, kindness, compassion and support for different communities.
- Bhagwat’s message
- Bhagwat urged diaspora members to remain loyal to their countries of residence while remembering India as their birthplace.
- RSS centenary
- The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in Nagpur in 1925 and marked its centenary in 2025.
