Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral election, know all about his connection with India

In a victory for the Democratic party's progressive wing, Zohran Mamdani was on Tuesday elected mayor of New York City, capping a stunning ascent for the 34-year-old state lawmaker, who was set to become the city's most liberal mayor in generations. Notably, Mamdani who defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani must now navigate the unending demands of America's biggest city and deliver on ambitious — sceptics say unrealistic — campaign promises.

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Mamdani becomes city's youngest mayor in a century

With the victory, the democratic socialist will etch his place in history as the city's first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage and the first born in Africa. He will also become the city's youngest mayor in more than a century when he takes office on January 1.

Mamdani's unlikely rise gives credence to Democrats who have urged the party to embrace more progressive, left-wing candidates instead of rallying behind centrists in hopes of winning back swing voters who have abandoned the party.

Mamdani faces scrutiny from President Trump

He has already faced scrutiny from national Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who have eagerly cast him as a threat and the face of what they say is a more radical Democratic Party.

The contest drove the biggest turnout in a mayoral race in more than 50 years, with more than 2 million New Yorkers casting ballots, according to the city's Board of Elections. Mamdani's grassroots campaign centred on affordability, and his charisma spoiled Cuomo's attempted political comeback. The former governor, who resigned four years ago following allegations of sexual harassment that he continues to deny, was dogged by his past throughout the race and was criticized for running a negative campaign.

There's also the question of how he will deal with Trump, who threatened to take over the city and to arrest and deport Mamdani if he won. Mamdani was born in Uganda, where he spent his early childhood, but was raised in New York City and became a US citizen in 2018.

What is Mamdani’s Indian connection?

Even as he was born in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran Mamdani’s roots trace directly to India through both parents. His mother Mira Nair is an Odia-born Hindu filmmaker from Rourkela and his father Mahmood Mamdani is a Ugandan scholar of Indian origin. He spent his early childhood between East Africa and New York where his mother later taught at Columbia University.

Who is Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair?

Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair is one of India’s most popular filmmakers and among the most influential voices in cinema. Mira became prominent with her Oscar-nominated debut Salaam Bombay! (1988), followed by acclaimed works such as Mississippi Masala (1991), Monsoon Wedding (2001), The Namesake (2006) and The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012).

What did Mamdani say about his Indian connection?

Once he said he is proud that he would be the first Indian-American mayor of this city. “I’m proud that my mother’s family is Hindu. And while I am Muslim, I grew up with a keen understanding of what Hinduism means- the stories, the festivals, the faith. Whether it’s Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, Holi- these are values I hold dear today."