Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming event in New York has come under fresh scrutiny after the X account of its organising group AHEAD was suspended, while the Hindu American Foundation issued a security advisory ahead of planned protests.

The Universal Oneness Celebration, scheduled at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, has already triggered political and community debate, with critics planning demonstrations and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying he does not support the event.

Host appeals for X account restoration

American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), one of the organisations supporting the gathering, has appealed to X to restore its suspended account, @Aheadforum1.

AHEAD said its communications have focused on peace, social harmony and interfaith dialogue and that it believes the suspension may have occurred in error.

The Hindu American Foundation has urged people attending the event to remain alert, avoid confrontations and respect the right of others to protest.

The organisation advised attendees to report suspicious activity, threats or crimes to security personnel or law enforcement and to call 911 in an emergency.

The advisory comes as Hindus for Human Rights and other groups plan protests outside Madison Square Garden.

Why is the event controversial?

Critics of the RSS have accused the organisation of promoting Hindu nationalism and have opposed Bhagwat's participation in the gathering.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has also criticised conditions for religious minorities in India and called for possible targeted measures against RSS members, including Bhagwat. India's Ministry of External Affairs has rejected USCIRF's position and questioned the commission's credibility.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support the event. At the same time, he questioned whether the city has the legal authority to cancel a private gathering.

The debate has intensified ahead of Saturday's programme as organisers and opponents present sharply different views of the event and the RSS.

RSS calls it an interfaith gathering

RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar has described the Universal Oneness Celebration as an interfaith forum involving a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith audience.

He said the event is intended to promote open dialogue and invited people interested in learning about the RSS to participate.

The controversy brings together several separate issues: Bhagwat's appearance at a major New York venue, opposition from groups critical of the RSS, security concerns surrounding planned protests and a wider debate over religious freedom and Hindu nationalism.

The suspension of AHEAD's X account adds another layer to the dispute, although the organisation says it does not know why the account was suspended. The event itself remains scheduled, while security agencies and organisers prepare for the possibility of demonstrations.