AHEAD Forum X account suspended ahead of Mohan Bhagwat's New York event

The X account of the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum has been suspended, just ahead of a scheduled event in New York featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. The organization stated that the suspension may have occurred in error, maintaining that their communications promote peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue in compliance with platform policies.

Bhagwat is set to be the keynote speaker at the ‘Universal Wellness Celebration’ at the Infosys Theater within Madison Square Garden on August 29. The event has drawn political scrutiny; New York official Zohran Mamdani expressed opposition to the RSS and the event, though he noted that city authorities may not have the legal right to cancel a private function.

Additionally, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has appealed to the U.S. government to revoke Bhagwat’s visa, alleging that groups associated with the RSS have been involved in violent attacks against religious minorities. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed these claims, characterizing the USCIRF as a biased organization with its own agenda.