Kiren Rijiju warns NY protesters over alleged Indian flag desecration: ‘It will cost you dearly’

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 31, 2026: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday strongly condemned protesters who allegedly desecrated the Indian flag outside the New York venue where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed an event.

Sharing a purported video of the protest on X, Rijiju said people were free to criticise the RSS, BJP or the government, but warned them against insulting the country or its national flag.

“We always said, you have freedom to criticise RSS, BJP or government. But don’t abuse our nation. Listen carefully... Do not insult our flag and my country. It will cost you dearly,” he said.

The video shared by Rijiju purportedly shows a protester desecrating the Indian flag outside Madison Square Garden in New York, while other protesters allegedly raised pro-Khalistan slogans.

Bhagwat addressed more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders at the Infosys Theatre at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. In his address, he called for embracing diversity and supporting communities.

He said unity in diversity was part of Bharat’s DNA and emphasised that it should be celebrated, respected and accepted.

Before Bhagwat’s keynote address, interfaith leaders highlighted the messages of oneness, unity and diversity, along with kindness, compassion and the importance of helping one another.

The speakers included Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO of the Rabbinical Assembly; Reverend Adriene Thorne, senior minister of New York City’s historic Riverside Church and the first African American woman to hold the position; and Talib M Shareef, president and Imam of Masjid Muhammad, also known as the ‘Nation’s Mosque’, in Washington, DC.