Guwahati: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has spoken against the proposed August 29 programme involving Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden, noting that the city may not have the legal authority to prevent a privately organised gathering.
Around 5,000 people from the Indian diaspora are expected to attend the event, which is part of the RSS’s global outreach marking its centenary year.
Bhagwat’s international tour also includes Canada and the UK. AHEAD Forum is organising the Madison Square Garden gathering, announcing Bhagwat’s participation in the Universal Oneness Celebration through a social media post to promote the message that humanity belongs to one family and to foster harmony.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Mamdani stated he did not support the event but was uncertain whether the city possessed the legal authority to cancel a private function. Explaining his position, the mayor referenced his Indian-American background and noted that his mother’s family still lives in India.
He described growing up with an understanding of India as a pluralistic country and secular republic where people from diverse backgrounds share an equal place in society.
Mamdani expressed deep opposition to what he views as the growth of an exclusionary political movement, saying his position comes from both his identity and his role as a mayor committed to ensuring everyone has a place regardless of colour, religion, faith or origin.
The proposed appearance has drawn criticism from interfaith and civil rights groups in New York. Organisations including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Centre of New York held a press conference outside City Hall to demand the event’s cancellation.
Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday for the centenary outreach programme, with his New York itinerary also expected to include the Universal Oneness programme.