The demonstrators expressed serious concerns over alleged discrimination against Sikhs, Muslims and Christians in India and raised questions about the country’s human rights situation.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, general counsel of pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice, accused the leadership of the RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to turn India into a so-called “Hindu Rashtra.”
Pannun referred to the 1984 Indian military operation at the Golden Temple, the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992 and violence against Christians in Manipur.
He also accused Indian state institutions of allegedly being used against Sikhs, Muslims and Christians.
The protesters called attention to what they described as growing religious discrimination and human rights concerns in India.
The demonstration took place during Bhagwat’s visit to New York, with protesters using the gathering to voice their opposition to the RSS and the policies associated with Hindu nationalism in India.
