Days before Mohan Bhagwat’s MSG event in New York, X suspends host’s account

AHEAD has mentioned greater than 200 Hindu-American organisations are supporting the multicultural and interfaith celebration. AHEAD has argued that its communications have been in step with X’s insurance policies, saying its posts centered on “common peace, oneness, concord” and constructive dialogue throughout communities.

#WATCH | RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arrives in New York, US. pic.twitter.com/K36RBsff93

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2026

Why did X droop the AHEAD account?

The suspension comes amid rising controversy over the August 29 occasion, which has drawn opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and protests from teams vital of Bhagwat and the RSS. There isn’t a public proof establishing that the suspension was linked to the controversy.

Talking at a press convention hours after Bhagwat arrived in New York as a part of the RSS’s centenary-year international outreach programme, which additionally contains visits to Canada and the UK, Mamdani mentioned, “I don’t assist the rally, however I don’t know if town has any jurisdiction on cancelling a non-public occasion.”

New York Metropolis Mayor Zohran Mamdani Tuesday (Aug 25) mentioned he doesn’t assist an upcoming Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) occasion at Madison Sq. Backyard, however he doesn’t know if town has any authority to cancel a “non-public” programme.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled… pic.twitter.com/iHmrt4qmVj

— The Indian Specific (@IndianExpress) August 26, 2026

Hindu organisation points safety advisory

The Hindu American Basis (HAF) has issued a safety advisory forward of the occasion, urging attendees to stay vigilant, keep situationally conscious and hold interactions civil. It additionally referred to as on Mamdani to make sure the security and civil rights of these attending the gathering.

HAF additionally appealed to the New York Mayor to make sure the security and civil rights of everybody attending the gathering. Hindus for Human Rights have introduced protests exterior Madison Sq. Backyard, with opponents of Bhagwat accusing the RSS of selling an exclusionary Hindu nationalist agenda.

The RSS has rejected the criticism and described the programme as an inclusive, open discussion board meant to advertise dialogue and mutual respect.

USCIRF seeks motion

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has referred to as on the US authorities to contemplate focused sanctions towards RSS members and Indian officers whom it alleges are accountable for religious-freedom violations. It additionally urged consideration of revoking Bhagwat’s US visa, information company Reuters reported.

The Ministry of Exterior Affairs has dismissed USCIRF’s allegations, saying the fee is biased and lacks credibility.

Mamdani opposes the occasion

Mamdani’s opposition has added a political dimension to Bhagwat’s US go to, bringing questions over Hindu nationalism, spiritual freedom and the politics of the Indian diaspora into the controversy over the New York occasion.

Reuters reported that Mamdani criticised what he described because the RSS’s “exclusionary” imaginative and prescient whereas acknowledging the bounds of his authority over a non-public gathering.

The occasion is Bhagwat’s three-nation abroad tour masking the US, Canada and the UK in the course of the RSS centenary yr.

US singer backs the gathering

In the meantime, US singer and actress Mary Millben has come out in assist of the gathering, criticising these opposing the occasion, together with Mamdani. Millben argued that the criticism was pushed by hostility in direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, whereas defending the selection of Madison Sq. Backyard, Reuters reported.