NYC Mayor Opposes RSS Chief's Madison Square Garden Event

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed a planned event at Madison Square Garden featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of India's Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, but stated the city may lack the legal authority to cancel the privately organized gathering. The event, titled the "Universal Oneness Celebrations," is scheduled for August 29, 2026, and is part of the RSS's centenary-year global outreach program.

Mamdani, the first Indian American mayor of New York City, voiced his opposition on Tuesday, August 25, during a press conference. "I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event," he said. His comments came as a coalition of 61 civil rights, faith-based, and community organizations urged Madison Square Garden to call off the event. The groups held a protest outside City Hall, framing their campaign under the banner "No Platform for Hate."

The mayor explained his position was rooted in his personal background and his vision of India. "I also stand here as the first Indian American mayor in our city's history, and my mother's family is all still in India," Mamdani stated. He described growing up with an...