New York Mayor Mamdani Sparks Diaspora Row Over RSS Event
· World · Times of India, PTI
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticized a planned August 29 appearance by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden. The event, billed as the 'Universal Oneness Celebration' and organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, is expected to draw about 5,000 Indian Americans during the RSS centenary-year global outreach. Mamdani stated he opposes the rally but conceded that city authorities lack the jurisdiction to cancel a private event. His comments drew sharp rebukes from BJP leaders in India, including MP Bhola Singh and spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam, who defended the organisation's social service record. At the same time, reactions across India's political spectrum varied, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and TMC figures expressing conflicting views on the diaspora gathering.
Why it matters
The dispute exposes deep political polarisation among the Indian diaspora abroad and triggers sharp reactions from political parties across India.
Read the original report — Times of India
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