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Coalition to protest planned Bhagwat event at Madison Square garden
The event comes as Bhagwat faces criticism from advocacy groups over the RSS's ideology and activities.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 23, Aug 2026
- 13:05 EDT
- 83
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat / IANS
A coalition of civil rights and interfaith organizations plans to hold a press conference in New York City on Aug. 25 to oppose a planned Madison Square Garden appearance by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The coalition, which says it represents Indian-American Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits and other allies, will hold the press conference at 10:30 a.m. on the steps of New York City Hall. Bhagwat, the RSS's Sarsanghchalak, is scheduled to speak at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 29.
In an advisory announcing the event, the coalition described the RSS as a far-right organization and accused it of promoting an agenda aimed at transforming India from a constitutional democracy into a Hindu state. It also alleged that RSS-affiliated organizations in the United States have promoted anti-Muslim, anti-Christian and anti-Sikh sentiment among parts of the Indian diaspora.
The coalition said speakers at the press conference will call on Madison Square Garden's owners to cancel Bhagwat's appearance. They are also expected to address what they described as efforts to improve the RSS's image in the United States and the organization's history and activities in India.
The advisory cited the RSS's founding in 1925 and alleged links between its ideology and European fascist movements. It also pointed to violence against religious minorities in India, including the 2002 Gujarat riots and subsequent incidents of mob violence and cow-related lynchings.
The coalition further referenced the RSS's international reputation, stating that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended targeted sanctions against the organization.
The advisory also highlighted activities by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), described by the coalition as the American wing of the RSS. It alleged that HSS sponsored a 38-day, multi-city U.S. speaking tour in 2025 by Indian activist Kajal Hindusthani, who faces multiple legal proceedings in India over allegations of inciting violence.
According to the coalition, the tour drew controversy after former New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos honored Hindusthani before subsequently backing down. The group also accused HSS members of involvement in organizing anti-Muslim parade displays in New York and New Jersey.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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