Mohan Bhagwat visited the UK; RSS reported support from over 310 public organizations

More than ninety American political figures have decided not to accept any political donations from individuals and organizations associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Among the signatories of this commitment are American representatives Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal, both of Indian descent.

This statement followed an event held on August 29 at Madison Square Garden in New York, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke about interreligious understanding and 'universal unity.'

The campaign was initiated by the organizations 'Hindus for Human Rights Action' and 'South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy Acts.' In a six-page resolution published on August 31, leaders and candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties across eight US states participated, including state and local officials.

Under this commitment, the politicians stated they would not accept political contributions from individuals or entities linked to the RSS. Furthermore, they rejected political violence and intimidation. The resolution also declared an intention to return previously received funds from RSS-affiliated individuals or transfer them to democracy-supporting organizations.

Signatories included members of the US Congress, state legislators, mayors, local representatives, and candidates. These include U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Said from Michigan, Congressional Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington, Congressional Representative Ro Khanna from California, and Congressional Representative Robin Kelly from Illinois.

Pramila Jayapal described the RSS as a 'right-wing organizational movement,' asserting that it attempts to weaken democracy in India, and expressed her willingness not to accept money connected to the RSS. Ro Khanna stated that the RSS is a group behind the assassination of Gandhi and insisted that the RSS should not have the ability to influence elections in America. Khanna also reported that a $6,600 donation received from a billionaire linked to the RSS was transferred elsewhere. Meanwhile, the American publication 'The Nation' reported in 2023 that Khanna had received $110,000 from 'Indian nationalist people' in the US.

Following the adoption of this resolution, the committee 'Hindu American Political Action Committee' labeled it 'discriminatory' and 'anti-Hindu.' The organization accused some leaders of being misled and pressured. The committee noted that this campaign targets exclusively Indian-American donors. Suhag A Shukra, executive director of the 'Hindu American Foundation,' also characterized the campaign as 'contrary to American values,' stating that vetting potential ties between Indian-American citizens and the RSS places them in a position comparable to proving loyalty to some foreign organization.

Following interactions with Generation Z youth in Mumbai, Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has traveled to America. As part of the 'Global Outreach Program,' dedicated to the organization's centenary, he is scheduled to give a major speech on August 29th at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York.

Although the event itself is focused on celebrating global harmony and universal unity and will gather around 5,000 participants, political activity began earlier in India and across America. A question has arisen as to what Bhagwat plans to say during his address.

The event received support from figures such as Mahamandaleshwara Swami Avdeshanand Giri from Juna Akhada. However, Akhilesh Yadav opposed Bhagwat's visit to New York.

When the account of the 'Ahead Forum' organizers on the social network X was temporarily blocked, Akhilesh Yadav mocked the situation, stating: 'When unregistered underground people appear in foreign countries, their X accounts will be blocked.' Furthermore, Akhilesh Yadav posed twenty-one questions to the RSS, casting doubt on the intentions of the leader of the organization that advocates for self-sufficiency. He asked why the head of an organization promoting self-reliance would travel abroad—to sow discord or seek future political support?

Soon after, the 'Ahead Forum' account was restored. The organization explained the temporary block by saying that algorithms were affected by a bot attack from opponents.

Meanwhile, in the state of Karnataka, two government teachers, Anna Saheb Deshmukh and Gururaj Joshi, were suspended for participating in an RSS march. State Minister Priyank Kharge noted that the presence of civil servants at events organized by unregistered organizations violates established rules.

In turn, the opposition leader in the legislative council, C. Narayanaswamy, accused the government of actions driven by a desire to retaliate against the RSS. He emphasized that the RSS is not a political party, and any patriot of the country can join any patriotic association.

New York Mayor Joe Harriman also expressed disagreement with Bhagwat's event. During a press conference on Tuesday, he stated that he does not support the program taking place at Madison Square Garden. Nevertheless, when answering questions about protests and the possibility of canceling the event, the mayor clarified that since it is a private event, the authority to cancel it likely does not fall under the jurisdiction of the City Administration.

In Kolkata, West Bengal, as part of the Durga Puja celebrations organized by the Hindu Mahasabha, the life and political journey of Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari will be presented. The theme of this festival will be named 'Nandigram se Naban: Bubahir Jayatra.'

Organizers reported that this pavilion will showcase Subhendu's path, starting from his childhood, his entry into politics, his struggles during various movements, and his achievement of the post of Chief Minister. This will be demonstrated using models, photographs, flex panels, and images.

According to the organizers, the pavilion will feature a documentary film based on Subhendu Adhikari's entire political career, alongside a small photograph of him. The pavilion will be designed to tell a visual story. At this Puja, which will take place at Ruby Crossing, traditional Bengali art Patachitra, as well as other new artistic elements, will be displayed. Organizers hope that this unique theme will attract a large number of visitors.

Furthermore, the Subhendu government in West Bengal has begun special preparations for Durga Puja. There is consideration of making the policy of financial grants for Durga Puja dependent on needs. Under this policy, assistance is being considered only for small committees with a budget of less than 10 million rupees. It was also decided to grant an additional 10 days of leave to police and home guard personnel working during Durga Puja.