NEW YORK, 26 August 2026 (Nosheen) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support an upcoming event in the city featuring Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an influential Hindu nationalist organisation closely associated with the ideological roots of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bhagwat is scheduled to speak at an event in Manhattan on August 29, according to the event’s website. Mamdani, the first Muslim and Indian American to serve as mayor of New York City, said he did not support the gathering but questioned whether the city had legal authority to cancel a privately organised event. He said the vision of India he learned from his family was that of a pluralistic and secular republic where every citizen had a sense of belonging. He expressed concern over what he described as the rise of an exclusionary political movement. The event, titled the “Universal Oneness Celebration,” is being organised for the Hindu American community. Organisers say it is supported by several Hindu American groups and aims to promote shared heritage and interfaith unity. However, several local organisations have criticised the event because of Bhagwat’s participation and concerns surrounding the RSS’s history and activities. The RSS has rejected accusations of intolerance and says it is a Hindu-centric cultural and civilisational movement aimed at uniting Hindus and promoting the country’s development. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has accused the RSS of involvement in violence and intolerance against members of minority communities.The United Nations and various human rights organisations have also raised concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in India, citing issues including hate speech, a religion-based citizenship law and the demolition of properties owned by Muslims.The Indian government has denied allegations of discrimination, maintaining that its policies and welfare programmes benefit people from all communities.