X account blocked for hours, rues organization organizing Bhagwat’s New York event

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the US Photo: Filed via PTI.

An organization organizing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s event in New York claimed that its X account was blocked for several hours by “misguided opponents” on Thursday (August 27, 2026).

The American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum’s X account – @AheadForum1, which posted updates on the Universal Oneness Celebrations, remained “unavailable” to users and was restored after X intervened.

“We’re back! We got ‘botted’ by misguided opponents who tried to game the X algorithm and block our handle,” AHEAD said in a post on X.

“Big thanks to @X @Support for your quick response, restoring our account and cleaning up the bots,” the organization said.

The account was posting updates about Mr. Bhagwat’s program at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on August 29.

The account featured videos and messages from leaders of religious organizations participating in the Universal Oneness Celebrations, billed as an interfaith gathering where the RSS chief is scheduled to interact with a diverse, multicultural and multi-religious audience.

The event has faced criticism from organizations such as Hindus for Human Rights, Save America from Hinduism, the Indian American Muslim Council and the Dalit Solidarity Forum.

The outfit reached out to lawmakers and government officials, urging them to cancel the New York event, and accuse the organization of committing attacks against religious minorities in India.

AHEAD is one of more than 200 organizations supporting celebrations of universal unity.

Published – 27 Aug 2026 23:31 IST