Social media platform X has suspended the account of American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), the forum organising an upcoming New York event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The suspension comes just two days before the event, which is scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden on August 29.
The development has drawn attention as the event faces scrutiny in New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Wednesday that he did not support the RSS or the planned gathering, but added that the city did not have the jurisdiction to cancel the event.
The AHEAD forum had been promoting the programme and Bhagwat’s appearance ahead of his visit to New York. X’s decision to suspend the organisers’ account has now added another layer to the controversy surrounding the event.
Mamdani speaks on event
The suspension follows comments by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said he opposed the RSS and the event but did not believe the city could intervene to stop it.
His remarks came amid calls and discussions surrounding Bhagwat’s proposed appearance at Madison Square Garden.
The event is expected to draw members of the Indian-American and Hindu communities in New York. The RSS chief’s participation has also attracted criticism from groups opposed to the organisation’s ideology.
Event scheduled for August 29
Despite the controversy, the programme remains scheduled for August 29 at Madison Square Garden.
The suspension of AHEAD’s account on X could affect the organisers’ ability to communicate updates and promote the event on the platform. However, the reasons for X’s action were not specified in the information available.
The development comes as Bhagwat’s visit and the planned New York appearance generate debate over political expression, community events and the role of social media platforms in regulating organisers’ accounts.
