Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor on June 25, 2025.
He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a political heavyweight, in a surprising upset. Mamdani’s progressive platform with younger voters.
He secured 43.5% of the vote, with Cuomo trailing at 36.3%. If confirmed, Mamdani is favored to win the November 2025 mayoral election. His victory has sparked intense debate and criticism globally.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1991 to Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani.
He moved to New York at age seven. A self-identified democratic socialist, he’s served as a state assemblyman since 2020.
He’s married to Syrian illustrator Rama Duwaji, who supports pro-Palestine causes. Mamdani, a Muslim, previously rapped under the name Mr. Cardamom. His campaign focused on affordability, housing, and progressive policies.
His Progressive Platform
Mamdani’s campaign promised bold reforms. He pledged to freeze rents for stabilized tenants and build 200,000 affordable homes.
He proposed fare-free public transit and universal childcare. Mamdani wants a $30 hourly minimum wage by 2030. His revenue plan includes raising corporate taxes to 11.5%, matching New Jersey’s rate.
These ideas, backed by progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, energized young voters but alarmed moderates.
Trump’s Harsh Criticism
President Donald Trump called Mamdani a “100% communist lunatic” after his primary win. Trump criticized Mamdani’s appearance, voice, and intelligence, labeling him a threat to the country.
He also attacked Mamdani’s supporters, including AOC and Senator Chuck Schumer. Trump’s remarks reflect Republican fears of Mamdani’s socialist policies. His comments have fueled conservative backlash against Mamdani’s candidacy.
Kangana Ranaut’s Cultural Attack
Indian politician and actress Kangana Ranaut sparked controversy by questioning Mamdani’s heritage. She claimed he “sounds more Pakistani than Indian” despite his mother’s Indian roots.
Ranaut criticized his alleged anti-Hindu views, citing his name and activism. She sarcastically congratulated his parents, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani. Her remarks, echoed by Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, ignited social media debates about Mamdani’s identity and loyalty.
Anti-India and Anti-Hindu Allegations
Mamdani faces accusations of anti-India and anti-Hindu rhetoric. Critics point to resurfaced tweets where he called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “war criminal.” Some claim he led protests in Times Square abusing Hindu deities.
Indian leaders like Singhvi accused him of spreading disinformation. These allegations have angered Indian diaspora communities. His vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza further fuel controversy.
Mamdani’s rise has drawn sharp criticism from diverse corners, reflecting his polarizing presence. His socialist policies, including rent freezes and fare-free transit, appeal to progressives but alarm moderates and conservatives.
Trump’s “communist” label taps into fears of radical governance in New York. In India, Ranaut and Singhvi’s attacks highlight tensions over Mamdani’s identity and views on India’s government. His pro-Palestine stance, including ties to groups like Students for Justice in Palestine, has led to accusations of antisemitism from outlets like Fox News.
Mamdani’s background as the son of prominent intellectuals adds complexity. His mother, Mira Nair, is a celebrated filmmaker with a Padma Shri award. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a respected scholar.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani’s coalition of white, Asian, and Latino voters in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens shows his broad appeal. His focus on affordability resonates in a city grappling with high living costs.
Supporters like David Hogg and Ella Emhoff attended his victory party, signaling Gen Z and progressive backing. However, his radical image, as noted by for his anti-Tesla riot participation, worries critics who fear he’s unfit for office.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani underscores a divided political landscape. His win signals a shift toward progressive ideals in New York, but it also invites fierce opposition.
As the November election approaches, Mamdani faces Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Eric Adams, who called him a “snake oil salesman.” Whether Mamdani can unify New Yorkers or deepen divisions remains uncertain.
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