'RSS does not represent us': US-based Hindu group among 61 organisations protesting Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's event in New York on August 29 has run into controversies after New York mayor Zohran Mamdani's remarks against the outfit. Many US-based Hindu organisations have also voiced their opposition of the event, Universal Oneness Celebrations, which is being held at the Madison Square Garden. The event is being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum.
Adding to this, File photo of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. (AP Photo) One such organisation is Hindus for Human Right whose executive director Sunita Viswanath shared that 61 interfaith and secular organisations have signed an open letter protesting Saturday’s event. She shared many of the groups' supporters will show up in person with the message that “the RSS and their Hindutva ideology do not represent us", news agency PTI reported.
Meanwhile, Earlier on Tuesday, several interfaith and civil rights groups, including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council and the Interfaith Center of New York, held a news conference outside New York City Hall, calling for the event to be canceled.
Notably, On Thursday, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued an advisory ahead of Bhagwat’s event , urging New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to “uphold his sworn duty” to protect all New Yorkers, including event attendees.
As per the latest buzz, In a post on X, HAF shared, “COMMUNITY ADVISORY ALERT! HAF is issuing this security alert in advance of the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil. Ahead of the event, activists targeting Hindu Americans have attempted to disrupt and cancel the celebration. We urge @NYCMayor Zohran Mamdani to uphold his sworn duty to protect all New Yorkers, including event attendees, and guarantee everyone's safety and civil rights.”
In further updates, Ahead of the event, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani shared that it was “incredibly troubling” to see the rise of a movement in India that was based on what he called an “exclusionary vision”.
On top of that, Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mamdani stressed his opposition to the rally but pointed out that the city’s government likely did not have the jurisdiction to cancel a private event.
“I also stand here as the first Indian American mayor in our city's history. My mother's family is all still in India. The vision of India that I was taught by my family and the one that I grew up being very familiar with was of a pluralistic society, of a secular republic, that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India."
Source: Hindustan Times