New Delhi, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
BJP leaders on Wednesday criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his opposition to an upcoming event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, arguing that his position was inconsistent with his stated support for pluralism.
BJP leader and senior advocate Nalin Kohli said that if Mamdani genuinely supported pluralism, he should not object to Bhagwat holding a rally in New York.
Kohli was reacting to Mamdani’s earlier statement that he did not support the proposed rally but was uncertain whether the city had the authority to cancel a private event.
“If he is talking about pluralism, he should have no problem with Mohan Bhagwat holding a rally,” Kohli said, adding that advocating pluralism while opposing a particular religious or ideological gathering was contradictory.
BJP MLA Ram Kadam, speaking in Mumbai, said people should hear Bhagwat’s views before forming opinions about the RSS and its ideology. He said it made little difference whether Mamdani attended the event, as many people of Indian origin were interested in listening to the RSS chief.
Kadam said Bhagwat was working to restore India’s past glory and promote the ideology of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and Hindutva globally.
BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana suggested that Mamdani’s remarks could have been influenced by local political considerations. He described the RSS as a disciplined organisation working for the health and welfare of millions of people.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said the final decision would rest with New York’s city authorities.
Roy said Mamdani, as the mayor of a major city, would have to decide whether the event could take place. He also noted that New York was a multireligious city and said the city authorities would ultimately determine the matter.
The political reactions follow the controversy surrounding the proposed New York event featuring Bhagwat, with BJP leaders defending the RSS gathering and questioning opposition to it.
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