A US government panel focused on religious freedom has raised serious concerns about the ongoing visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to America. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, often described as the ideological parent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, finds itself under fresh scrutiny. Bhagwat is currently in the United States and is scheduled to speak at an event in New York City this Saturday.
Asif Mahmood, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, issued a clear statement on Wednesday. He urged the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and certain Indian officials. The panel specifically called for the revocation of the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat. USCIRF is a bipartisan body that monitors religious freedom worldwide and offers policy recommendations. These suggestions are not binding, and Washington has not acted on similar recent advice.
The RSS has long faced accusations from rights groups of promoting majoritarian ideology that fuels intolerance toward minorities. In May the organization stated it arranged foreign visits to counter claims that it operates as a paramilitary group involved in attacks on minorities. The group describes itself as a Hindu centric civilisational and cultural movement that aims to take India to the pinnacle of glory by uniting Hindus.
United Nations bodies and human rights organizations report that abuses against Indian minorities have increased in recent years. They highlight rising hate speech, a religion based citizenship law, demolition of Muslim owned properties, the removal of autonomy from Muslim majority Kashmir, and anti conversion legislation that they say restricts freedom of belief. India’s BJP led government firmly rejects these claims. Officials argue that policies such as food subsidy programs and electrification drives benefit every community equally.
India’s foreign ministry has dismissed the US panel’s assertions and labeled USCIRF as biased against the country. Meanwhile the RSS continues to reject charges of intolerance. Bhagwat’s current US trip and the planned New York appearance have brought these long standing debates back into the spotlight. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between Indian nationalist groups and international human rights monitors.
