New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed his disapproval of the planned event at Madison Square Garden where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to speak on August 29. Despite potential jurisdictional limitations, Mamdani suggests the city may not have authority to cancel the private gathering. Mamdani's stance arises from his opposition to RSS, an organization he finds exclusionary and contrary to the pluralistic and secular values instilled in him by his family. Meanwhile, interfaith and civil rights groups, including Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council, and Interfaith Centre of New York, have gathered outside New York City Hall to oppose Bhagwat's appearance and urge Madison Square Garden to cancel the event. The Universal Oneness Celebration, hosting Bhagwat, maintains that his visit carries a unifying message and will take place as planned. This event is part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's centenary-year global outreach programme, which also includes stops in Canada and the UK.