New Delhi/New York: Social media platform X has suspended the account of American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD Forum), the organisation behind an upcoming New York event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The suspension comes just days before the “Universal Oneness Celebration”, scheduled for August 29 at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Bhagwat is expected to address members of the Indian-American community at the programme.
The AHEAD Forum account, which operated under the handle @AheadForum1, currently appears as suspended. The organisation has sought restoration of its account and said it believes the suspension may have occurred in error.
X has not publicly disclosed a reason for suspending the account, and there is currently no evidence establishing that the action is connected to the controversy surrounding Bhagwat’s visit or the August 29 event.
Suspension Comes Amid Row Over Mohan Bhagwat’s New York Event
The development comes amid growing debate over Bhagwat’s appearance in New York.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said earlier this week that he does not support the event, while acknowledging that the city may not have the authority to cancel a private gathering.
“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” Mamdani said.
The mayor also criticised what he described as an “exclusionary” political vision, contrasting it with his understanding of India as a pluralistic and secular republic.
AHEAD Seeks Restoration Of X Account
Following the suspension, AHEAD maintained that its communications had focused on peace, harmony and interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The organisation has appealed to X to restore the account.
AHEAD describes the August 29 programme as a multicultural and interfaith gathering centred around the message of universal oneness. More than 200 Hindu-American organisations are supporting the event, according to the organisers.
Bhagwat’s New York appearance forms part of the RSS chief’s wider overseas outreach during the organisation’s centenary year, which also includes visits to Canada and the United Kingdom.
