UK Civil Society Groups Request London Mayor to Block RSS Events Ahead of Bhagwat’s Visit

A coalition of 15 civil society organizations and individuals in the United Kingdom has formally approached London Mayor Sadiq Khan, urging him to refuse any venue under the Greater London Authority for events associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This letter coincides with the anticipated visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to the UK, where he is expected to arrive following engagements in the United States and Canada.

The groups have characterized the RSS as an “authoritarian and militarist organization” that draws inspiration from European fascist ideologies. In their correspondence, they not only called on the mayor to ensure that no Greater London Authority venue is used for RSS gatherings but also requested that no representatives from the mayor’s office attend any such events.

Concerns surrounding the RSS are amplified by historical allegations linking the organization to the 2002 Gujarat riots, which have been described by a report from the British High Commission at the time as having “all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing.” The riots, which resulted in substantial loss of life and property, had previously led to a de facto travel ban on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the UK, a ban that was lifted in 2012.

The letter emphasizes the serious accusations against the RSS and its affiliates, pointing to what they describe as “overwhelming evidence” of violence directed at marginalized communities, particularly those from caste-oppressed backgrounds. The groups argue that allowing the RSS to hold events in London would be a tacit endorsement of these alleged violations.

As Mohan Bhagwat prepares for his visit, the dialogue surrounding the RSS’s activities and their impact on Indian society, particularly regarding their historical involvement in communal violence, is set to play a critical role in shaping perceptions both in India and abroad. The response from the London mayor’s office will likely be closely watched, as it could reflect broader attitudes towards the RSS and its affiliates in the diaspora.

Source: scroll.in