Mamdani Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s New York Event
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support the upcoming Madison Square Garden event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while acknowledging that city authorities may not have the legal power to stop a privately organised gathering. Bhagwat is scheduled to address thousands of members of the Indian diaspora on August 29.
Zohran Mamdani Opposes Mohan Bhagwat Event
Mamdani said he personally opposed the event while responding to questions about protests and demands seeking its cancellation.
He said he was uncertain whether New York City had the legal jurisdiction to intervene in a private event at Madison Square Garden. Mamdani linked his position to his view of India as a pluralistic and secular society and criticised political movements he believes undermine that vision.
His remarks represent his political position and do not amount to any official move by the city administration to block the gathering.
Mohan Bhagwat to Address Madison Square Garden
Bhagwat is expected to participate in the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden on August 29 as part of the RSS centenary-year outreach programme.
Organisers have presented the event around themes of global unity, harmony and the concept of the world as one family.
The programme is expected to draw around 5,000 attendees from the Indian diaspora and other participating organisations.
Groups Demand Cancellation of RSS Event
Several advocacy and interfaith groups have opposed Bhagwat’s appearance and called for the Madison Square Garden programme to be cancelled.
Protesters have also held demonstrations and public events criticising the RSS and Bhagwat’s visit.
Mamdani, however, stopped short of announcing any administrative action against the gathering, citing uncertainty over the city’s legal authority in relation to a privately organised event.
