NEW YORK, Aug 30 (APP):Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in New York City on Saturday to protest a speech by Mohan Bhagwat, the head of India's Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a far-right organization, and condemned its policies of promoting Hindu nationalism and the ideology of Hindutva. A mix of Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and unprivileged-caste groups joined civil rights organizations outside the venue-- the iconic Madison Square Garden where Bhagwat addressed Indian-Americans. …
Protesters denounce Hindu nationalist leader Mohan Bhagwat during New York City visit
NEW YORK, Aug 30 (APP):Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in New York City on Saturday to protest a speech by Mohan Bhagwat, the head of India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a far-right organization, and condemned its policies of promoting Hindu nationalism and the ideology of Hindutva.
A mix of Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and unprivileged-caste groups joined civil rights organizations outside the venue– the iconic Madison Square Garden where Bhagwat addressed Indian-Americans.
Outside the venue, demonstrators and mobile billboard trucks carried placards, signs, and digital messages featuring slogans such as:“RSS Out of NYC”, “RSS Killed Gandhi” and “The RSS Does Not Represent Us”. They stated that the group promotes violence and discrimination against religious minorities in India.
Protesters from civil rights, interfaith, and pro-Khalistani groups also highlighted messages addressing minority rights and historical controversies, while some demonstrators displayed cut-outs and chanted slogans against Hindu nationalist policies. Demonstrators also stepped on a cut-out of Bhaqwat.
Protesting organizations and coalitions were:
— ‘Hindus for Human Rights’: A US-based advocacy group that helped spearhead rallies and press conferences calling the event a platform for exclusionary ideology.
— ‘Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC)’: Active in organizing local opposition and leading the “No Platform for Hate” coalition.
— ‘Sikh Coalition & New York Sikh Council’: Represented Sikh community concerns regarding historical and modern threats to minorities.
Other participating groups Included: The Dalit Solidarity Forum, Save America From Hindutva, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice, Rabbis for Ceasefire, CAIR-NY, DRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving), and the Movement for Black Lives.
Also, New York City Mayor Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly stated he did not support the rally, characterizing the RSS ideology as exclusionary, though he noted the city lacked the legal authority to cancel the private booking at the arena.
