Hindu group's X account suspended ahead of RSS chief's US event
Synopsis
AHEAD, an organiser of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's event in New York, has appealed to X to reinstate its suspended account. Amid growing controversy, the Hindu American Foundation has issued a security advisory for the 'Universal Oneness Celebration'.
Host's X Account Suspended Ahead of Event
The American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), an organisation hosting the upcoming "Universal Oneness Celebration" featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in the United States, has appealed to X for the reinstatement of its suspended account. Operating as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, AHEAD serves as one of approximately 200-plus supporters backing the multicultural and interfaith celebration in New York through its suspended handle, @Aheadforum1. The event promotes peace, social harmony, mutual understanding, and respect across faiths and communities. Content shared through the organisation's account has focused on these themes and highlighted participation and support from diverse community and faith leaders. AHEAD believes the suspension may have occurred in error, maintaining that its communications have consistently promoted universal peace, oneness, harmony, and constructive interfaith and intercultural dialogue in accordance with X's policies.
Security Concerns and Community Advisory
Ahead of the high-profile gathering at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, which will mark the traditional observance of Raksha Bandhan with a modern message centred on unity, civic duty, and global harmony, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has issued an official community advisory alert. Urging attendees to stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil, the Washington, DC-based advocacy organisation also called on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to uphold his sworn duty to protect all New Yorkers and guarantee event safety amid attempts by activists to disrupt the celebration. The security advisory underscores growing public friction surrounding the event.
USCIRF Calls for Sanctions, MEA Dismisses Allegations
Adding to the controversy, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), chaired by Asif Mahmood, released a statement alleging deteriorating religious freedom conditions in India and urging the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members, including revoking Mohan Bhagwat's visa. Vice Chair Cece Heil echoed these sentiments, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly dismissed the body as biased and lacking credibility, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advising that such institutions be ignored.
Political Debate Heats Up in New York
Meanwhile, US singer and actress Mary Millben strongly criticised detractors, notably Mayor Mamdani, for pushing back against the gathering. Arguing that the opposition stems from animosity towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Millben defended the venue choice on capitalist principles and praised the event's theme of "Oneness".
The debate follows remarks by Mayor Mamdani, who stated that he does not support the planned Madison Square Garden event. Citing his background as the first Indian-American Mayor in the city's history and his family's ties to India, Mamdani expressed deep opposition to what he termed an exclusionary movement, though he clarified that municipal authorities lack the legal mandate to prohibit the private gathering.
RSS Clarifies Event's Interfaith Nature
Addressing the nature of the programme, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar emphasised that the gathering is an interfaith forum designed for open dialogue and mutual respect, reflecting the inclusive Bharatiya ethos. The event forms part of Mohan Bhagwat's three-nation global outreach tour to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, organised in celebration of the RSS centenary year. (ANI)