Controversial Hindu nationalist leader spurs protests, Mamdani denunciation ahead of NYC speech

An event Saturday in New York City, featuring the head of a Hindu nationalist group instrumental in putting India’s ruling party in power, is being met with protests, a denunciation from the city’s mayor and a call for sanctions from a US panel on religious freedom.Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, widely considered the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party, is scheduled to address about 5,000 members of Indian American groups at the city’s iconic Madison Square Garden arena.Titled “Universal Oneness Celebration,” the event is being organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a polarizing figure in that country and the diaspora, emerged from the group known as RSS, a right-wing paramilitary group founded a century ago.

Critics have accused the group of promoting the political ideology of Hindutva, which means “the essence of being Hindu,” and seeks to define Indian culture and national identity in terms of Hindu values.The party and its branches have also been accused of fostering a culture of intolerance and committing human rights violations such as mob lynchings, targeting minority places of worship and razing Muslim-owned properties with bulldozers.This week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly declared his opposition to the event, labeling RSS ideology as exclusionary and contrary to the pluralistic views of the city.The event’s organizers did not respond to The Associated Press’ interview requests.The group’s news release says the event is a collaboration among more than 200 Hindu American organizations and is built around the ancient Sanskrit phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “the world is one family.” Expected attendees include entrepreneurs, educators, artists, youth leaders, faith leaders and public officials as well as representatives from temples and yoga centers.This event, organizers said, also builds on ...