LONDON: Hundreds of protesters gathered in London’s Parliament Square this weekend to oppose the UK visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, as his international tour continues to draw protests and criticism from minority and civil society groups.
The demonstration was organised by a coalition including the UK Indian Muslim Council, South Asia Solidarity Group, Hindus for Human Rights, India Labour Solidarity and StriveUK.
Protesters said details of Bhagwat’s UK itinerary had received limited publicity, including information surrounding an interfaith event called the “Oneness Celebration”.
Rajiv Sinha of Hindus for Human Rights UK said opposition encountered during Bhagwat’s visits to the United States and Canada may have prompted organisers to keep details of his British engagements less visible.
RSS Chief’s UK Visit Opposed
The London protest followed controversy in New York, where Christian and Muslim religious leaders said they had not been properly informed about the RSS or Bhagwat’s role before participating in events associated with his visit.
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Rev Adriene Thorne, senior minister at New York’s Riverside Church, later said her participation was a “mistake” and that she would not have attended had she known Bhagwat would be the central figure.
Imam Shamsi Ali of the Jamaica Muslim Centre similarly said he felt “betrayed” after attending a related interfaith breakfast.
The RSS describes itself as a cultural and volunteer organisation promoting social service, discipline and Indian national unity. Critics, however, associate it with Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist political ideology, and have raised concerns about its influence on religious minorities.
Sikh Groups Criticise Gurdwara Visit
Bhagwat’s visit to the Central Gurdwara in London also triggered criticism from the Sikh Federation and Indian Workers’ Association.
The IWA criticised the gurdwara leadership for privately hosting Bhagwat, arguing that the wider congregation would have opposed the visit.
The Sikh Federation said it had been contacted by numerous gurdwaras, Sikh organisations and individuals expressing anger over the meeting.
Protesters in Parliament Square called on British political and civil society organisations to scrutinise Bhagwat’s engagements and consider concerns raised by minority and human rights groups.
The demonstrations in London follow protests during Bhagwat’s North American tour, including outside Madison Square Garden in New York, reflecting growing international scrutiny surrounding the RSS chief’s overseas appearances.
