New York: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced opposition to an upcoming event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden on August 29.
The event is being organised as part of the RSS’s centenary celebrations. Organisers have described the gathering as an occasion centred on “universal oneness” and interfaith unity within the Hindu American community.
Mamdani, however, said he disagreed with the event and criticised what he described as an increasingly exclusionary form of political mobilisation. He said the India he grew up with was a “pluralistic and secular republic”.
Despite his opposition, Mamdani has not announced any move to cancel or block the private event. He also questioned whether New York City has the legal authority to intervene and prevent it from taking place
The RSS has rejected allegations of intolerance and describes itself as a Hindu cultural organisation. At the same time, Bhagwat’s proposed appearance has drawn criticism from some civil rights and interfaith groups in New York.
The controversy has put Mamdani’s position on pluralism, free expression and diaspora politics under the spotlight. It also raises questions about how his administration will handle politically contentious events involving immigrant and diaspora communities in New York.
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