'Propaganda by vested interest group': VHP chief questions 'selective' freedom of speech on NY RSS event row

New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS) Without taking names, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar on Saturday accused a section of population of being 'selective' in their propagation of freedom of speech and expression and claimed that the "efforts to stop" the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat's scheduled event in New York, is a "propaganda by vested interest group". This comes after a controversy erupted over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's remarks that he did not support the rally but was unsure whether the city had jurisdiction to cancel a private event. Speaking to IANS, the VHP Chief said: "I am surprised that a majority of those people who talk about freedom of speech and expression, make us understand that minorities have equal rights to express their opinions, the same people and their supporters are today saying in America that this person (RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat) should not have the right to speak." "Will the freedom of speech and expression, freedom to assemble peacefully without arms, freedom of forming associations and unions, be selective? One (Muslim) community will be allowed to speak and if the Hindus want to speak on inclusivity, they will be stopped?" he asked. Alok Kumar asserted that the democratic values inherited by India and America, includes freedom of speech and expression for all. "People may agree or not (to a certain opinion) but the right to hear and speak is for everyone," the VHP Chief stressed. He also said that the alleged efforts to stop RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, "violates the established norms of human freedom and values, which are respected by both India and America". "I consider such efforts as propaganda by some vested interest group and believe that this won't be accepted by the people in America," the VHP Chief added. Meanwhile, two Hindu American groups have issued safety advisories ahead of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at the Madison Square Garden, urging attendees and Hindu institutions in New York to remain vigilant amid protests and demands to cancel the event. The Hindu American Foundation, or HAF, issued what it called a "community advisory alert" on Wednesday (local time) for people attending the August 29 'Universal Oneness Celebration'. "Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil," HAF said in a post on social media platform X. --IANS cg/khz