Social media platform X has suspended the account of the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum, organisers of an upcoming event in New York City featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief .
X suspends account of NYC RSS event organisers
The event, titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, is scheduled to be held at Madison Square Garden on August 29, with Bhagwat set to headline the programme.
Bhagwat is currently in the US as part of a three-country outreach tour covering the US, Canada and the UK.
According to a report by ANI, the AHEAD forum has appealed to X for the reinstatement of its suspended account.
About AHEAD
Registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, AHEAD serves as one of approximately 200-plus supporters backing the multicultural and interfaith celebration in New York through its suspended handle, @Aheadforum1.
The event is said to promote peace, social harmony, mutual understanding, and respect across faiths and communities.
Content shared through the organisation’s suspended X account has focused on these themes and urged participation and support from diverse community and faith leaders.
AHEAD reportedly believes the suspension may be in error, claiming that its communications have consistently promoted universal peace, oneness, harmony, and constructive interfaith and intercultural dialogue, aligning with the policies of the platform.
The reason behind the suspension remains unknown.
Controversy around RSS event in New York
Prior to the event, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued an official advisory, urging attendees to stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil.
Reportedly, the Washington, DC-based advocacy organisation also called on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to uphold his sworn duty to protect all New Yorkers and guarantee safety amid any attempts at disruption during the event.
What did Mayor Mamdani say
This comes after Mamdani’s remarks, as he stated that he does not support the planned Madison Square Garden event.
Singer and actress Mary Millben strongly criticised detractors, including Mayor Mamdani, for pushing back against the RSS event. Claiming that the opposition comes from animosity towards Indian Prime Minister and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Millben defended the venue choice on capitalist principles, praising the event’s theme of “Oneness”.
Citing his background as the first Indian-American, Mayor Mamdani expressed deep opposition to what he termed an exclusionary movement. However, he clarified that municipal authorities lack the legal mandate to prohibit the gathering.
He said, “I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction over cancelling a private event.”
