Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim politician, achieved a significant milestone by winning the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City on June 24. Arvind Rajagopal, a media studies professor at New York University, refers to his victory as “seismic.” This depiction points to the realignment of American politics underway. If he beats whoever wins in the Republican primary May 3 and wins the general election in November, Mamdani would make history. He would be New York City’s first South Asian mayor and first Indian-origin mayor.
His signature victory has already triggered an unprecedented level of blowback. Supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Hindu right are especially shrill in their bile. Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of Hindu nationalism and his active participation in protests against Modi’s policies have drawn attention and backlash. His campaign has combined local political aspirations with international issues, especially those important to the South Asian diaspora.
The Impact of Mamdani’s Campaign
Mamdani’s campaign drew heavily from his Muslim identity, an identity Mamdani leaned into and utilized to his advantage in today’s political climate. He is unapologetically critical of Hindu nationalism. During the 2020 anti-CAA protests, he allegedly participated in the agitation against the BJP’s role in the Babri mosque demolition in Ayodhya.
His contentious criticisms of Modi’s government, specifically its violent policy towards Muslims, amplified the sparks. Leading up to Modi’s 2023 visit to New York City, Mamdani went on an impassioned, compassionate tear, drawing on and reading notes from incarcerated Indian activist Umar Khalid. His readings illuminated the urgent struggles of religious minorities within India today.
“I am here today to protest against the BJP government in India and the demolition of the Babri masjid.”
Mamdani’s support base largely comes from majority-Asian neighborhoods — like Little Bangladesh, Jackson Heights and Parkchester — that are often overlooked by other campaigns. His passion for inclusion and the fact that he could communicate in Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, and broken Bangla helped build critical rapport with traditionally underserved communities.
After his primary victory, Mamdani was subjected to vicious attacks, harassments, and threats from advocates of Narendra Modi. His win has been seen by critics as an early warning of the danger posed to Hindu identity and values. Kangana Ranaut, an actress and prominent promoter of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hindu nationalism, was among those angered by Mamdani’s efforts.
Backlash from Modi Supporters
Rohit Chopra, a specialist on Hindu nationalism, provided a helpful description of the project the Hindu right is undertaking. They are trying very hard to control the story on Modi, on things like the Gujarat riots. He noted,
The backlash isn’t only targeting big names. Community identity politics, which often see Muslims as the eternal “other”, are taking a heavy toll on these guys. Kayla Bassett, an academic who studies these dynamics, said recently,
“Whatever happened to his Hindu identity or bloodline.”
As Mamdani prepares for the general election against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, he continues to navigate the complexities of his identity and political stance. His family connections to India, enriching his background and deepening his experiences, are just the starting point of the complexities in his experiences and challenges. The intensity of the scrutiny he faces is further sharpened by his choice to publicly embrace his Muslim identity.
“Among the Hindu right, there is a project of the political management of the memory of 2002.”
Mamdani’s campaign has struck a chord with voters across the district who recognize in him an urgently needed, authentic representative of marginalized communities. He passionately performs outreach to multiple cultural demographics, including visiting Hindu temples and cultural centers. This reflects his sincere dedication to making sure that everybody is included.
“It’s about promoting a narrative that casts Muslims as inherently suspect or un-American.”
The Road Ahead for Mamdani
Mamdani’s win in the primary reflects a broader political realignment taking place in New York City. In doing so, it showcases the greater tensions within the South Asian diaspora surrounding race, identity and representation.
Mamdani’s campaign has resonated with many voters who see in him a representative voice for marginalized communities. He has been proactive in engaging with various cultural groups by visiting temples and cultural centers, showcasing his commitment to inclusivity.
In the words of Arvind Rajagopal,
“The moment of Trump is something that Mamdani answers perfectly.”
Mamdani’s victory in the primary illustrates not only a shift in political dynamics within New York City but also reflects broader tensions within the South Asian diaspora regarding identity and representation.
