A coalition of civil rights and interfaith organizations plans to hold a press conference in New York City on August 25 to oppose a planned Madison Square Garden appearance by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
A coalition of civil rights and interfaith organizations is set to hold a press conference on August 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. on the steps of New York City Hall to oppose the upcoming appearance of Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), at Madison Square Garden on August 29. This event has drawn significant attention due to the controversial nature of the RSS and its influence on socio-political dynamics both in India and among the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Coalition Composition and Objectives
The coalition comprises a diverse array of representatives from Indian-American communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and various allies. The collective seeks to raise awareness about the perceived dangers of the RSS, which it characterizes as a far-right organization with an agenda allegedly aimed at transforming India from a constitutional democracy into a Hindu state. The coalition claims that RSS-affiliated organizations in the United States have contributed to the promotion of anti-Muslim, anti-Christian, and anti-Sikh sentiments among segments of the Indian diaspora.
Focus of the Press Conference
During the press conference, speakers are expected to call upon the owners of Madison Square Garden to cancel Bhagwat’s scheduled appearance. They plan to address concerns regarding the RSS’s image management efforts in the U.S. while emphasizing the organization’s controversial history and actions within India. The coalition’s advisory points to the founding of the RSS in 1925, drawing parallels between its ideological framework and European fascist movements. Additionally, the advisory references instances of violence against religious minorities in India, including the 2002 Gujarat riots and subsequent incidents of mob violence, particularly those related to cow protection laws, which have been a source of significant concern and controversy.
International Concerns and Responses
The coalition’s advisory highlights that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended targeted sanctions against the RSS, indicating notable international apprehension regarding the organization’s impact on religious freedoms and civil rights both in India and abroad. This recommendation underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the RSS’s ideology and activities, particularly as they pertain to the treatment of minority communities in India.
Activities of RSS Affiliates in the U.S.
Further, the coalition has brought attention to activities undertaken by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), which it describes as the American counterpart of the RSS. The coalition alleges that the HSS sponsored a controversial 38-day speaking tour featuring Kajal Hindusthani, an activist facing multiple legal challenges in India related to accusations of inciting violence. This tour, which took place in 2025, drew public scrutiny after former New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos initially honored Hindusthani but later retracted their support following backlash, demonstrating the contentious nature of the discourse surrounding such figures.
The coalition also claims that HSS members have been involved in organizing anti-Muslim displays during parades in New York and New Jersey. Such activities have raised alarms among civil rights advocates who express concern over the influence and actions of the RSS and its affiliates within the U.S., highlighting a growing need for vigilance against the promotion of divisive ideologies.
Wider Implications of the Protest
The planned press conference reflects a broader unease among various communities regarding the implications of allowing leaders associated with organizations like the RSS to speak publicly in the United States. Advocates argue that such appearances could lend legitimacy to ideologies that conflict with the fundamental values of pluralism and diversity that many Americans uphold. The coalition’s actions serve as a poignant reminder of ongoing tensions related to religious identity and civil rights in an increasingly globalized political landscape.
As the coalition prepares for the press conference, the discourse surrounding the RSS and its leader Mohan Bhagwat continues to provoke strong reactions from different segments of society. The event is poised to be a significant moment for interfaith solidarity and civil rights advocacy, reflecting broader societal concerns about the intersection of politics, religion, and community identity. The upcoming days will likely witness heightened discussions about the influence of organizations like the RSS in shaping narratives about identity and belonging within the Indian diaspora in the United States, as well as the broader implications for civil rights and social justice.
In the context of American society’s diverse fabric, the coalition’s efforts spotlight the complexities of navigating cultural and political identities in a globalized world. As communities mobilize against perceived threats to their values, the planned protest against Mohan Bhagwat’s appearance at Madison Square Garden underscores the ongoing struggle for civil rights and religious freedoms, both in the United States and globally. With the backdrop of rising nationalism and sectarian divides worldwide, the coalition’s stance serves as a critical commentary on the importance of protecting democratic values and ensuring that all communities feel safe and respected in their identities.
