London: A week after several US-based Hindu groups opposed Mohan Bhagwat’s event at New York’s Madison Square Garden, there is a call to boycott events organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the UK visit of its chief.
Bhagwat is expected to speak at an event for the Indian diaspora in Britain.
Twenty civil society groups have written to London mayor Sadiq Khan, urging him and the Greater London Authority to refuse a venue for Bhagwat’s event.
The visit is part of Bhagwat’s international outreach programmes marking 100 years of the RSS.
Describing the RSS as “an authoritarian and militarist group which drew explicit inspiration from European fascism”, the UK groups called on officials to ensure that Britain’s multicultural society was protected, The Independent reported.
In a letter to the UK’s Foreign Office, the organisations said Bhagwat’s visit was “part of a charm offensive of public outreach, supported by his allies in the UK.”
The letter, signed by Hindus for Human Rights, UK-Indian Muslim Council, India Labour Solidarity and South Asia Solidarity Group among other organisations, sought details on steps being taken by the Metropolitan Police to protect the communities.
“The threats posed in Britain by the RSS are real, active and ongoing. Mr Bhagwat’s visit will embolden RSS affiliates in the UK to promulgate hate speech, further polarise the Indian diaspora, and create an environment of fear and intimidation for vulnerable communities across the country,” the letter read, as per the report.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the UK should not host “the leader of a hate group with a grievous history of far-right violence”.
“This is a deeply authoritarian, exclusionary and discriminatory organisation which has suppressed religious freedom and inspired horrific attacks on minorities,” the Your Party MP added.
However, Conservative MP Bob Blackman said he was glad to hear the RSS chief share his views on the organisation’s future.
“Pleased to listen to the thoughts & ideas for the future of @RSSorg by RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat this evening,” Blackman said in a post on X.