Controversy Surrounds Ram Mandir Float at NYC Independence Day Parade

On Sunday, Indian-American Muslims and several civil rights organizations protested against a float featuring the Ram Mandir at New York City’s Independence Day parade. They argue that the float glorifies anti-Muslim violence and Hindu supremacy.

Groups like the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and Hindus for Human Rights had petitioned New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul to remove the float, labeling it as anti-Muslim.

Despite these requests, parade organizers defended the float. They argued that it celebrates the inauguration of a significant Hindu landmark, the Ram Temple. This temple, located on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque, holds deep religious significance for many Hindus.

The Babri Mosque was razed in 1992 by a large group of Hindu militants, sparking severe riots that led to numerous deaths, predominantly among Muslims. More recent violence against Muslims in India, particularly surrounding the Ram Temple’s consecration, has further fueled criticism.

Ajit Sahi from the IAMC condemned the float, accusing parade organizers of allowing Hindu extremist ideology to overshadow the event’s celebration of independence and secularism. “This temple represents politics, not culture or faith,” Sahi asserted.

At the parade, participants dressed in traditional attire danced around the float, which was adorned with garlands. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha served as the grand marshal for the event, held on Madison Avenue.

In response to the parade organizers’ refusal to remove the float, IAMC withdrew its own float that highlighted Muslim contributions to humanity. Imtiaz Siamwalla, president of Indian Muslims of North America, expressed disappointment in a letter to organizers. He accused the Ram Mandir float of being a tool for intimidation.

Siamwalla stated, “The float is meant to show minorities that what happened in India could happen here, intended to intimidate.”

Other critics also expressed concerns about the float, arguing that its presence politicized an event intended to celebrate Indian culture and unity, not divisive politics. Some New York lawmakers and activists from various communities had previously voiced opposition to the float, labeling it as a symbol of hate.

Mayor Eric Adams had commented on the controversy, emphasizing the need for parades to be free of hate symbols. “The city is open to everyone, and there’s no room for hate,” he said in a press conference last week.

Therefore, the controversy over the Ram Mandir float reflects broader tensions around the intersection of politics, religion, and cultural celebrations.