American Singer Mary Millben Slams Protests Against RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Madison Square Garden Event
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The proposed address by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden has sparked intense international debate. Amid mounting political friction and local opposition, prominent African-American singer and actress Mary Millben has launched a fierce defense of the event, sharply criticizing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and local protestors for harboring an "anti-Modi mentality."
Condemning Socialist Opposition and Defending Capitalism
Taking to social media platform X, Mary Millben didn't mince words regarding the backlash led by city officials. She asserted that opposition to the gathering stems primarily from deep-seated political animosity toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rather than genuine community concerns.
Critiquing the ideological stance of the protestors, Millben remarked, "Mamdani and all these socialist lunatics are protesting Mohan Bhagwat's event at Madison Square Garden because they are against PM Narendra Modi and the BJP. Because these people subscribe to the ideology of socialism, they don't understand capitalism. MSG doesn't pay attention to the nonsense of socialists; they are accountable to capitalism. And that's why this event will take place."
Challenging Critics to Host Their Own Rallies
Directly challenging Mayor Mamdani, Millben urged critics to embrace market principles if they wish to stage counter-demonstrations. She suggested that instead of attempting to block private venues, protestors should raise funds, rent out Madison Square Garden on commercial terms, and organize their own anti-Modi rallies. Expressing optimism about the gathering, she praised the event's theme—"Oneness"—noting her hope that the platform would foster constructive dialogues regarding religious harmony and heritage.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Objections
The controversy gained momentum when New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced strong disagreement regarding the RSS leader's presence in the city. Questioning the ideological foundation of the organization, Mamdani stated that the event ran contrary to the secular and pluralistic values of India he grew up knowing, declaring his refusal to endorse or support the rally.
About the 'Universal Oneness Celebration'
Organized by the diaspora collective American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, the upcoming event in Manhattan aims to bring together various Hindu-American communities to celebrate shared cultural heritage and interfaith harmony. Mary Millben, who enjoys immense popularity within the global Indian diaspora—notably after performing India's national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during PM Modi's historic 2023 U.S. state visit—remains a vocal supporter of cultural and democratic engagements between the two nations.
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