The organisation hosting RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s event in New York claimed its X account was blocked by “misguided opponents” for several hours on Thursday (August 27, 2026).
“We are back up! The account had been posting updates about Mr. The account had posted videos and messages from leaders of religious organisations participating in Universal Oneness Celebrations which is billed as an inter-faith gathering where the RSS chief is scheduled to interact with a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith audience. The event has been facing criticism from outfits such as Hindus for Human Rights, Save America from Hindutva, Indian American Muslim Council and Dalit Solidarity Forum among others.
Bhagwat’s programme at the Infosys Theatre at the Madison Square Garden (MSG) on August 29.
The X account of American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum – @AheadForum1, which posted updates about the Universal Oneness Celebrations, remained “unavailable” to users and was restored after intervention from X. We got ‘botted’ by misguided opponents who tried to game the X algorithm and get our handle blocked,” AHEAD said in a post on X. “A big thank you to @X @Support for the prompt response, restoring our account and clearing out the bots,” the organisation said.
The outfits have been reaching out to lawmakers and government officials urging them to cancel the event in New York, accusing the organisation of perpetrating attacks against religious minorities in India. AHEAD is one of approximately 200-plus organisations supporting the Universal Oneness Celebrations.
Earlier reporting noted: 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. Earlier reporting noted: 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”. Earlier reporting noted: 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.
