Controversial Hindu nationalist leader spurs protests, Mamdani denunciation ahead of NYC speech

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is scheduled to address about 5,000 members of Indian American groups at Madison Square Garden arena.

Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Hindu nationalist group RSS, is set to speak in New York City on Saturday

Hindu nationalist leader spurs protests and calls for sanctions ahead of New York City speech  AP News

The head of India’s controversial Hindu nationalist RSS is due to speak in New York.

Mamdani says he opposes RSS event at Madison Square Garden but can't cancel it, sparking backlash from BJP leaders and debate among NRIsWASHINGTON/NEW DELHI: New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has stirred up a row among sections of the diaspora – and between Indian political parties – by declaring that he does not supp

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced opposition to an upcoming event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, calling the Hindu nationalist group's ideology "exclusionary" while acknowledging the city can't block a private event.

Mayor Mamdani opposes NYC event with leader of India's Hindu nationalist group  Dawn

"I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction to cancel a private event," Mamdani, who is the first Muslim and Indian American mayor of New York City, said.

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is scheduled to speak at a Manhattan event on Aug 29.

Mamdani opposes NYC event with leader of India's Hindu nationalist group  Reuters

Activists urge Mamdani to cancel Hindu nationalist event in New York City Azad Essa on Tue, 08/25/2026 - 12:58 The mayor is being urged to cancel an event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and condemn the movement's rising presence in the US A mobile billboard truck displays a message urgi