Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised protesters who allegedly insulted and tore the Indian national flag during a demonstration outside Madison Square Garden in New York.
The incident took place on Saturday when members of the Indian diaspora had gathered to attend an address by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. A video shared by Rijiju on X showed a protester appearing to place his foot on the Indian flag, while others raised slogans associated with Khalistani supporters. The flag was also allegedly torn during the protest.
Reacting to the incident, Rijiju said that people have the right to criticise political organisations and the government, but insulting the country and its national flag was unacceptable.
“We always said you have the freedom to criticise the RSS, BJP or government, but don't abuse our nation,” Rijiju said. He warned those involved that insulting the national flag would have serious consequences.
The incident has triggered strong reactions on social media, with several users urging US authorities to identify the protesters and investigate their backgrounds. Some also called on Indian authorities to determine whether any of those involved were Indian citizens and whether action could be taken under Indian law.
The protest took place during an event organised as part of the RSS's centenary celebrations. Bhagwat was in the United States as part of an international tour that also included Canada and the United Kingdom.
During his address, Bhagwat spoke about the responsibilities of the Indian diaspora in countries where they live. He urged Indians abroad to remain loyal to their country of residence, which he described as their “Karma Bhumi”, while remembering India as their “Janma Bhumi”.
Bhagwat said Indians living in the US should consider themselves Americans and conduct themselves responsibly as citizens of the country. He also encouraged the diaspora to build communities based on service, unity and concern for humanity.
The RSS was founded in Nagpur in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The organisation completed 100 years in 2025 and has described character-building, social service and community organisation as key areas of its work. Bhagwat has been serving as the organisation's chief since 2009.
Meanwhile, there is no immediate confirmation of any legal action by US authorities against the protesters involved in the flag incident. The matter has, however, sparked a fresh political debate over protests, national symbols and the conduct of Indian-origin groups abroad.
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