Petition titled ‘Stop Nazi-Inspired RSS From Occupying MSG’ launched in US
US rights groups demand cancellation of RSS chief’s New York event
New York : US civil rights and community organizations have urged Madison Square Garden to cancel the scheduled appearance of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on August 29, calling the venue’s association with the Hindutva organization unacceptable.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demand was made at a press conference held at New York City Hall, convened by a coalition of 48 organizations including the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Hindus for Human Rights, Sikh Coalition, Dalit Solidarity Forum, Save America From Hindutva, CAIR-NY and the Movement for Black Lives.
Sarita Pandey of Save America From Hindutva said, “Madison Square Garden should not lend its name, prestige and credibility to this project.”
Speakers at the event also included Brad Lander, former New York City Comptroller and Democratic nominee for New York’s 10th congressional district, who condemned the RSS. The coalition accused the RSS of cloaking “its legacy of death” under the slogan of “Universal Oneness.”
Speakers referenced the 1939 Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden, the RSS manifesto published the same year, the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and subsequent ban on the RSS, and what they described as a century of communal violence.
Inside City Hall at the same time, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about the rally. He said the rise of Hindu nationalism has been “incredibly troubling” and that he is in “deep opposition” to it. Asked whether the event should be canceled, Mamdani said he does not support the rally…
Organizers have also launched a petition addressed to Mayor Mamdani titled “Stop Nazi-Inspired RSS From Occupying Madison Square Garden.”
