Protesters Denounce Hindu Nationalist Leader Mohan Bhagwat During New York City Visit
UrduPoint
August 30, 2026 | 01:30 PM
NEW YORK (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 30th Aug, 2026) 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 Bhagwat.
Protesting organizations and coalitions included:
- Hindus for Human Rights
- Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC)
- Sikh Coalition & New York Sikh Council
- Dalit Solidarity Forum
- Save America From Hindutva
- Jews for Racial & Economic Justice
- Rabbis for Ceasefire
- CAIR-NY
- DRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving)
- Movement for Black Lives.
New York City 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.
