NEW YORK (Diya TV) — RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s upcoming event in New York has sparked debate among Hindu, interfaith and civil rights groups.

The event has also drawn attention after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the ideology linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS. At the same time, Hindu American groups have urged attendees to remain alert and called for peaceful interactions. American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, or AHEAD, organized the event.

Hindus for Human Rights said 61 interfaith and secular groups have signed an open letter against the event. Executive Director Sunita Viswanath said supporters of several groups plan to attend in person. She said they will carry a message that the RSS and its Hindutva ideology do not represent them, according to PTI.

Several groups also held a news conference Tuesday outside New York City Hall. The gathering included Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council and the Interfaith Center of New York. The groups called for the event to be canceled. They raised concerns about the RSS and the political ideas they associate with Hindutva.

Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation issued a security advisory Thursday ahead of Bhagwat’s appearance. The group urged people attending the Universal Oneness Celebration to remain vigilant. It also asked attendees to stay aware of their surroundings and keep interactions civil.

HAF also called on Mamdani to protect all New Yorkers, including people attending the Madison Square Garden event. The group said activists had tried to disrupt or cancel the celebration. The advisory comes as debate over the event continues. However, the discussion has also focused on the rights of people to attend private events without facing threats or violence.

Mamdani spoke about the event during a news conference Tuesday. He said he opposed the rally but also noted that New York City likely did not have the legal authority to cancel a private event. The mayor also spoke about his Indian American background. He said his family taught him to view India as a pluralistic and secular republic.

“My mother’s family is all still in India,” Mamdani said. He added that his family’s vision of India centered on a society where everyone could belong.

Mamdani then criticized what he described as an exclusionary political movement.

“It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision,” he said. Mamdani added that he strongly opposed such a vision.

Organizers are expected to move ahead with the event despite calls for cancellation.