Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Bhagwat’s New York Event
Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the RSS, is scheduled to speak at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The event is called the Universal Oneness Celebration and is planned for August 29.
Organisers say it will promote unity, respect, civic responsibility and friendship between communities.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support the event.
He also said the city might not have the legal power to cancel a private event.
Singer Mary Millben defended the gathering and criticised Mamdani’s position.
Some Indian political leaders also supported the event, while others said criticism was understandable or questioned its purpose.
The event is expected to bring together about 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Madison Square Garden event but questioned whether the city can cancel a private gathering.
Singer Mary Millben accused Mamdani and other critics of opposing the event because of hostility toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
BJP and Shiv Sena leaders defended the event, while Shiv Sena (UBT) called opposition to Bhagwat’s overseas visit unwarranted.
TMC MP Saugata Roy said opposition was understandable in religiously diverse New York, while Congress MP Imran Masood questioned the event’s international purpose.
The August 29 Universal Oneness Celebration is organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue Forum and is expected to attract about 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, singer Mary Millben, Indian political leaders and the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue Forum.
- What
- A dispute over Bhagwat’s planned Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden and whether it should proceed.
- When
- The event is scheduled for August 29; Mamdani discussed it at a Tuesday news conference, and Bhagwat is on an international outreach tour.
- Where
- Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York City.
- Why
- Mamdani and other critics object to what they describe as the RSS’s exclusionary vision, while organisers and supporters say the event promotes unity, interfaith dialogue, mutual respect and shared cultural bonds.
Critics of the Event
Supporters of the Event
Whether the event should proceed
Critics of the Event
Mamdani and a coalition of 61 civil rights, faith, community and advocacy organisations criticised the gathering and urged its cancellation. Mamdani said he opposed the event but was uncertain whether the city had authority over a private venue.
Supporters of the Event
Mary Millben, BJP leaders and organisers defended the programme. They said Madison Square Garden is privately operated and that political criticism would not prevent the event from proceeding.
The RSS’s vision of India
Critics of the Event
Mamdani said he supports a pluralistic, secular India in which everyone belongs and opposes what he called the RSS’s exclusionary vision. TMC MP Saugata Roy said opposition was understandable in religiously diverse New York, while Congress MP Imran Masood questioned the event’s purpose.
Supporters of the Event
Organisers said the programme promotes shared heritage, interfaith unity, harmony and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family.” BJP and Shiv Sena figures highlighted RSS-related social service and nation-building.
Political interpretation of the dispute
Critics of the Event
Critics linked their objections to concerns about the RSS’s history, religious identity and social cohesion rather than treating the gathering as only a private event.
Supporters of the Event
Millben accused Mamdani and other opponents of being motivated by hostility toward Narendra Modi and the BJP. BJP and Shiv Sena leaders called Mamdani’s position divisive or appeasement politics, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey called opposition to Bhagwat’s foreign visit unwarranted.
- Event
- Universal Oneness Celebration
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
- Scheduled date
- August 29
- Expected attendance
- Around 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora
- Organiser
- American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue Forum
- Featured speaker
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
- City position
- Mamdani opposes the event but said New York City may lack jurisdiction to cancel a private gathering
- Tour itinerary
- Bhagwat’s international outreach tour also includes Canada and the United Kingdom
Sources
US singer Mary Millben slams Zohran Mamdani for voicing opposition to RSS chief's New York event
US singer Mary Millben backs Bhagwat’s NYC event, says Mamdani can’t stop it
US Singer Slams Zohran Mamdani Over RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's New York Event
