Mamdani Opposes RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Manhattan Event, Citing Concerns Over Exclusionary Ideology

Melbourne, 27 August: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address an event in Manhattan on Saturday, 29 August, prompting objections from several individuals and organisations in New York over the Hindu nationalist organisation’s controversial history.

According to the event’s website, the programme has been described as a “celebration of universal unity” and is expected to bring together members of the Hindu community living in the United States.

However, Bhagwat’s participation has drawn criticism from those who accuse the RSS of promoting a hardline and exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism.

Zohran Mamdani is among those who have expressed opposition to the event.

“I do not support it. However, I am not aware of whether New York City has the legal authority to cancel a private event,” Mamdani said.

Expressing his support for a liberal and pluralistic vision of India, Mamdani said the country he had learned about through his family was founded on the principles of diversity, secularism and equal citizenship.

“The vision of India that my family taught me, and that I grew up knowing, was of a pluralistic society and a secular republic—one that believed in ensuring equal rights and inclusion for every person in India,” he said.

“It is deeply painful to witness the rise of an ideology whose foundation rests on an exclusionary or narrow vision,” Mamdani added.

The controversy has renewed debate in New York over the RSS, its political influence and its vision of Indian national identity.

However, in a post on X on Wednesday, the RSS’s All India Publicity Chief, Sunil Ambekar, said, “Organised in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect, the event reflects Bharatiya values, which are fundamentally inclusive and welcoming to all.”

He also invited those interested in learning more about the RSS’s philosophy to attend the event.

Ambekar added, “This initiative continues the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s longstanding tradition of engaging with diverse communities across India and around the world to foster mutual understanding and a shared sense of purpose.”