NYC Mayor Mamdani Opposes Event With Indian Hindu Nationalist Leader

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced his opposition to an upcoming event in Manhattan featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of India's Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Mamdani, the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor, stated he does not support the rally but was unsure if the city had jurisdiction to cancel a private event. "The vision of India that I was taught by my family and one that I grew up being very familiar with was of a pluralistic society of a secular Republic that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India," Mamdani said. "And it has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision." The RSS, which is the ideological parent of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is scheduled to have Bhagwat speak at a "Universal Oneness Celebration" on Saturday. Organizers, American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, say the event promotes shared heritage and interfaith unity. However, many local organizations have criticized the event due to Bhagwat's attendance and the RSS's history. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom states the RSS "has been involved in acts of extreme violence and intolerance against members of minority groups for decades." The RSS disputes these accusations, describing itself as a "Hindu centric civilisational, cultural movement" aiming to "carry the nation to the pinnacle of glory." Critics point to rising abuse of Indian minorities in recent years, including hate speeches and discriminatory laws, though the BJP-led Indian government denies its policies are discriminatory.

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I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event.