The account belonging to American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, or AHEAD Forum, became unavailable on August 27 before being reinstated within hours. The organisation said it believed opponents had manipulated X’s automated systems through coordinated activity that caused its handle to be blocked.
X has not publicly explained the reason for the temporary suspension. AHEAD had appealed for reinstatement, maintaining that its communications complied with the platform’s policies and promoted peace, social harmony and interfaith dialogue.
The episode came as controversy intensified around the Universal Oneness Celebration in Manhattan, where Bhagwat is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. The gathering is planned for August 29 and is associated with Raksha Bandhan celebrations, with organisers presenting it as an event focused on unity, civic responsibility and dialogue across communities.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed the programme and criticised the RSS, saying its political and social outlook conflicted with his understanding of pluralism and secularism. He nevertheless acknowledged that City Hall did not appear to have jurisdiction to cancel a private event merely because of disagreement with its organisers or speakers.
“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” Mamdani said while addressing questions about the gathering.
His remarks have drawn competing responses from organisations representing sections of the Hindu-American community and groups critical of the RSS. Opponents of Bhagwat’s visit have announced demonstrations, while supporters have argued that participants must be allowed to assemble peacefully and exercise their rights to speech and association.
The Hindu American Foundation issued a security advisory ahead of the programme, urging attendees to remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness and avoid confrontational exchanges. It also called on city authorities to ensure the safety and civil rights of people attending the gathering.
AHEAD says more than 200 Hindu-American organisations are participating in or supporting the Universal Oneness Celebration. Event material describes the programme as an effort to extend the traditional Raksha Bandhan themes of responsibility and mutual protection beyond families to wider communities. Organisers expect several thousand participants.
Bhagwat’s appearance forms part of a three-country overseas tour covering the United States, Canada and Britain during the RSS centenary year. The organisation was founded in 1925 and has developed an extensive network of volunteers, affiliates and social initiatives while remaining a major ideological influence on Hindu nationalist politics.
The RSS describes itself as a cultural and social organisation dedicated to national unity, service and Hindu civilisational values. Its critics accuse it and organisations associated with its ideological movement of advancing a majoritarian conception of national identity that can marginalise religious minorities. The RSS rejects allegations that it promotes discrimination and says its activities are intended to strengthen social cohesion.
The debate surrounding Bhagwat’s visit widened further after the US Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the Trump administration to consider sanctions against RSS members and officials it alleges have been involved in religious-freedom violations. The commission also called for consideration of revoking Bhagwat’s visa.
The commission is an independent, bipartisan federal advisory body whose recommendations are not binding on the White House or State Department. Authorities have announced no action to revoke Bhagwat’s permission to enter or remain in the United States.
New Delhi has repeatedly rejected the commission’s assessments of religious freedom, accusing it of presenting a selective and biased picture of the country. The government maintains that constitutional protections apply equally to all religious communities and has rejected allegations that state policy systematically discriminates against minorities.
