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Reacting to the incident, Rijiju said criticism of the RSS, BJP or the government is acceptable, but warned against insulting India or its national flag.
Indian flag insult at Madison Square Garden
Union Minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju has criticised protesters for insulting the Indian national flag during a demonstration at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The protest took place on Saturday, August 29, as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed an event at the venue.
Rijiju Warns Protesters
Reacting to the incident, Rijiju said criticism of the RSS, BJP or the government is acceptable, but warned against insulting India or its national flag.
“We always said, you have freedom to criticize RSS, BJP or Govt. but don’t abuse our nation. Listen carefully.. Don’t insult our flag and my country. It will cost you very dearly,” Rijiju wrote on X.
As per reports, pro-Khalistan protesters were behind the incident.
His remarks came after videos of the protest circulated online, showing alleged acts of disrespect towards the Indian tricolour.
We always said, you have freedom to criticize RSS, BJP or Govt. but don’t abuse our nation.Listen carefully.. don’t insult our flag and my country. This will cost you a lot. pic.twitter.com/THH2kT49yc
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 30, 2026
Flags Torn During Protest
According to the information, viral videos showed a pro-Khalistan Sikh tying an Indian national flag around his foot and posing for cameras. Other protesters were seen grabbing another Indian tricolour and tearing it apart while dancing and cheering.
The protesters were associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which the Government of India has listed as a terrorist organisation.
Pro-Khalistan protesters from the SFJ gathered outside Madison Square Garden to oppose Bhagwat’s address. They carried banners and posters with messages including “Modi is the face of Hindu terror” and raised pro-Khalistan and anti-India slogans.
They also displayed a poster cut-out of Bhagwat and placed a shoe garland around it.
RSS Chief In New York
Bhagwat was invited by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) to address an event titled “Universal Oneness Celebration” at the Infosys Theater inside Madison Square Garden.
The RSS chief had arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of a three-country visit linked to the organisation’s centenary-year global outreach.
His appearance at the event, however, prompted protests from anti-India and pro-Khalistan elements, who used the occasion to express their opposition to India.
SFJ At Forefront Of Protest
The SFJ was at the forefront of the demonstrations against Bhagwat’s speech.
The group has been listed as a terrorist organisation by the Government of India and has a history of anti-India activities, including threats against the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ahead of Bhagwat’s visit, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), chaired by Pakistan-born American Dr Asif Mahmood, had called for US sanctions on the RSS.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Union Minister Kiren Rijiju warned that insulting India or its national flag would be very costly for the protesters.
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Shuddhanta Patra is an Indian journalist with about nine years of experience in covering national politics, geopolitics, defence, diplomacy and international affairs. Her reporting focuses on South As…Read More
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