A planned speech by Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in New York City on Saturday has ignited protests and calls for U.S. sanctions. Bhagwat, whose organization is considered the ideological parent of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is scheduled to address an estimated 5,000 members of Indian American groups at Madison Square Garden.
The event, titled “Universal Oneness Celebration,” is organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue. Critics have accused the RSS of promoting Hindutva, a political ideology that defines Indian culture and national identity through Hindu values. These critics also point to allegations of human rights violations, including intolerance, mob lynchings, and the destruction of minority-owned properties in India.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed the event, stating that the RSS ideology contradicts the city's pluralistic values. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan federal body, has urged the U.S. government to consider sanctions against RSS members and revoke Bhagwat's visa, citing alleged religious freedom violations in India. India's Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed these remarks, labeling the commission as biased.
Several interfaith and civil rights groups, including Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council, held a news conference Tuesday calling for the event's cancellation. Sunita Viswanath, executive director of Hindus for Human Rights, stated that her organization, along with 60 others, signed an open letter protesting the event, with many supporters planning to attend in person to voice their opposition.
Despite the criticism, the RSS has a significant presence in the U.S., with over 250 centers and youth groups. The Hindu American Foundation, which advocates for Hindus in the U.S., has advised attendees to be vigilant and maintain civility, while also urging Mayor Mamdani to uphold his duty to protect all New York City residents.
Safa Ahmed, an Indian American Muslim activist, plans to travel from North Carolina to protest, expressing alarm over the support for what she describes as Bhagwat's "politics of hate." She noted the increasing pushback against Hindu nationalism from progressive Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits in recent years.
Some observers suggest Bhagwat's U.S. visit is part of an effort to improve the RSS's international image. Bill Drexel, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute specializing in U.S.-India relations, noted that Bhagwat has recently moderated some of his public statements. Drexel also commented that the RSS's complex history and its unique connection to India make it challenging to draw direct comparisons to other political and religious movements.
Sunil Ambekar, the RSS's national spokesperson, stated that Bhagwat intends to engage with a diverse audience and that the event reflects an inclusive Indian ethos. He emphasized the RSS's tradition of engaging with various communities globally to foster understanding. However, critics like Viswanath remain skeptical, asserting that the core Hindutva ideology remains unchanged.