Mamdani Opposes RSS Rally in New York, Questions City’s Authority to Cancel Event

Mamdani Opposes RSS Rally in New York : New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stated his opposition to the RSS protest scheduled for the city, but he is unsure whether the municipal government has the legal authority to stop a privately organized event.

At a news conference, Mamdani was asked whether the forthcoming Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) assembly should be halted. He stated that he does not support the event and is unsure if the city has control over a private assembly.

Mamdani Opposes RSS Rally in New York

Mamdani also indicated why he is very opposed to the event. He cited his Indian-American heritage and how his family introduced him to India while he was growing up.

He stated that his mother’s family still lives in India and that he was raised to see the country as a multicultural and secular republic. According to Mamdani, that viewpoint offered a space for people of various religions and origins.

The mayor expressed significant concern over the rise of what he regarded as an exclusionary trend. He went on to say that his resistance stems from both his Indian-American origin and his function as mayor of New York.

According to Mamdani, New York is a city where individuals should feel welcome regardless of their race, religion, faith, or country of origin.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Set to Address New York Event

The comments came as RSS president Mohan Bhagwat landed in New York on Tuesday for a three-country tour. His itinerary also covers Canada and the United Kingdom.

On August 29, Bhagwat will speak at Madison Square Garden as part of the “Universal Oneness Celebrations”. The event is related to the RSS centenary year and is scheduled around Raksha Bandhan.

The AHEAD forum, or American Hindus for Engagement and Dialog, is organizing the event. The group describes it as one of the largest Indian diaspora celebrations in New York, with cultural acts and spiritual leaders anticipated to attend.

Bhagwat received a traditional tilak upon arrival in New York.

Debate Over RSS Visit Draws Political Attention

Mamdani’s comments come at a time when Bhagwat’s visit has already sparked controversy in the United States. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has lately repeated its recommendation for Washington to avoid high-level interactions with RSS leaders.

The commission also supported possible sanctions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the recommendation.

Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the MEA, branded USCIRF as a biased organization that had regularly made false and aggressive claims regarding India. He stated the assessments should be ignored.

Mamdani has made it obvious that he does not support the RSS event. However, the mayor has stated that opposition alone may not give New York City the authority to prohibit a private gathering.