Mayor Mamdani Voices Opposition to RSS Chief's Madison Square Garden Event
By Editor • August 25, 2026 • 1 min read
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly expressed his disapproval of an upcoming event featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), set to take place at Madison Square Garden on August 29, 2026.
During a press conference on August 25, Mamdani acknowledged that while he does not support the event, he is unsure whether the city can cancel it, given its classification as a private gathering. Bhagwat's visit to the U.S. is part of the RSS's centenary outreach program, and he is expected to address a crowd of around 5,000 people at the iconic venue.
Mamdani, the first Indian-American mayor in New York City's history, highlighted his personal connection to India and the values he was raised with, which emphasize a pluralistic and inclusive society. He articulated his concerns about the rising exclusionary sentiments linked to the RSS, stating, "It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly."
In response to Mamdani's remarks, several interfaith and civil rights organizations, including Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council, held a press conference outside City Hall to oppose Bhagwat's appearance. They urged Madison Square Garden to cancel the event, reflecting a broader sentiment against the rhetoric associated with the RSS.
Source: www.thehindu.com
#Indian diaspora #Madison Square Garden #Mohan Bhagwat #RSS #Zohran Mamdani
