Owaisi Backs Mamdani’s Opposition to Mohan Bhagwat Event, Cites US Religious Freedom Report
New York: The controversy over RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s upcoming event in New York has intensified. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has commented on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s opposition to the programme.
Mamdani recently said he does not support the planned event. However, he also indicated that the city may not have the legal authority to cancel a privately organised gathering.
Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden on August 29. The programme is expected to draw thousands of members of the Indian-American community.
What Did Asaduddin Owaisi Say?
Reacting to the controversy, Owaisi referred to a US report concerning religious freedom and the RSS.
According to ANI, Owaisi said that a report on religious freedom in the United States had also been released in connection with the RSS.
His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of the RSS in the United States. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised concerns over religious freedom conditions in India.
The commission has also called for targeted sanctions against RSS members and certain Indian officials. It further urged consideration of revoking Bhagwat’s US visa.
Why Is Zohran Mamdani Opposing the Event?
Mamdani said he does not support the rally. He also questioned whether New York City has jurisdiction over a private event.
The mayor linked his position to his understanding of India as a pluralistic and secular country. He said the rise of what he described as an exclusionary political movement was troubling to him.
Mamdani’s comments have added a political dimension to Bhagwat’s visit. The issue has also attracted attention from several interfaith and civil rights groups in the US.
RSS Defends Bhagwat’s New York Programme
The RSS has defended the Madison Square Garden event. It described the Universal Oneness Celebration as a platform for open dialogue and mutual respect.
The organisation said the programme would bring together people from different communities and backgrounds.
The event is being organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum. Organisers have presented it as part of the RSS’s centenary-year outreach.
Religious Freedom Debate Adds to Controversy
The dispute comes as the debate over religious freedom in India continues to draw international attention.
USCIRF has criticised conditions faced by religious minorities in India. India, however, has rejected the commission’s assessments and questioned its credibility.
The issue has therefore developed into a wider debate. It now involves religious freedom, political expression, private-event rights and the role of public officials.
For now, Bhagwat’s August 29 appearance remains scheduled. The controversy surrounding the programme is expected to continue as the event approaches.
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