The X account of American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum, the organisers of an event in New York City set to feature Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, was restored after being briefly suspended on Thursday.
The development comes two days after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he did not support the RSS or the event, but maintained that the city had no jurisdiction to cancel it. Mamdani said it was “incredibly troubling” to witness the rise of a movement in India that was based on what he described as an “exclusionary vision”.
Members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also urged the US government not to extend diplomatic courtesies to Bhagwat and called for sanctions against the RSS. After USCIRF’s criticism of RSS, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement calling the body biased and accusing it of having a history of making inflammatory remarks about India. The organisation later issued a statement saying, “AHEAD believes the suspension may have occurred in error.
Earlier reporting noted: The programme is expected to draw around 5,000 Indian Americans as part of the RSS’s global outreach during its centenary year.
The USCIRF also raised concerns over Bhagwat’s visit and alleged that RSS subgroups have “perpetrated violent attacks against religious minorities”, according to a PTI report. Earlier reporting noted: Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he did not support the planned event, while acknowledging that his office may not have the authority to cancel a private gathering. Earlier reporting noted: The mayor said his objection was linked to what he described as competing visions of India.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mamdani reiterated his opposition to the rally but said the city’s government likely did not have the jurisdiction to cancel a private event.
