Protests Erupt as Hindu Nationalist Leader Prepares for NYC Speech

A significant event in New York City featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is stirring controversy and protests ahead of its scheduled date. Bhagwat, who leads a group seen as a vital force behind India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, is set to address approximately 5,000 attendees at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The gathering, organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, is titled the 'Universal Oneness Celebration.'

The RSS, established over a century ago, has faced scrutiny for promoting Hindutva, a political ideology asserting Hindu values as the foundation of Indian culture and identity. Human rights advocates have accused the organization of fostering intolerance, resulting in violence against minorities and destruction of their places of worship.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly condemned the event, labeling the RSS's ideology as exclusionary and at odds with the city's diverse values. His remarks echo concerns raised by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which has called for sanctions against RSS members and the revocation of Bhagwat's visa due to alleged violations of religious freedom in India. The Indian government swiftly dismissed these claims as biased.

In response to the upcoming event, various interfaith and civil rights organizations, including Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council, convened a press conference to advocate for its cancellation. Sunita Viswanath, executive director of Hindus for Human Rights, emphasized that her group, along with 60 others, stands against the RSS, stating, 'The RSS and their Hindutva ideology do not represent us.' She urged supporters to counter the event with messages of love and solidarity.

Despite the backlash, the RSS maintains a strong following among some Indian Americans, with over 250 centers across the U.S. The Hindu American Foundation has cautioned attendees to remain vigilant during the event and criticized Mayor Mamdani for his comments, asserting it was his responsibility to protect all citizens of New York City.

Safa Ahmed, an Indian American Muslim activist, plans to protest outside Madison Square Garden, expressing alarm at the support for Bhagwat's controversial views. However, she finds hope in the growing resistance to Hindu nationalism from progressive communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits.

Experts suggest that Bhagwat's visit may signify a strategic effort by the RSS to reshape its international image. Bill Drexel, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, noted that Bhagwat has moderated some of his rhetoric recently. He remarked, 'We’re seeing a new chapter in terms of how they are relating to the outside world.' In contrast, critics like Viswanath remain skeptical, asserting that the group's fundamental ideology remains unchanged.

Source: www.independent.co.uk