Is Modi's Shadow Overshadowing NYC's Mayoral Race?

Article Heading: Zohran Mamdani’s New York Primary Win Sparks the Ire of Modi’s Supporters

Zohran Mamdani's recent victory in the New York Democratic mayoral primary has ignited a firestorm of reactions, highlighting the complex intersection of identity, politics, and international relations. While his win marks a potential milestone – becoming New York City’s first South Asian and Indian-origin mayor – it has also drawn sharp criticism, particularly from supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This backlash underscores the deep-seated tensions between those who champion Modi's leadership and those who condemn alleged human rights abuses under his administration, especially concerning religious minorities.

A Torrent of Vitriol

Since his primary win on June 24, Mamdani has faced a barrage of online attacks, often targeting his religious identity. As a Muslim, the 33-year-old mayoral hopeful has been labeled with derogatory terms like "jihadi" and "Islamist," while others have accused him of being anti-Hindu and anti-India.

Kayla Bassett, Director of Research at the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), emphasizes that these attacks extend beyond a single individual. "This isn’t just about one individual," she states. "It’s about promoting a narrative that casts Muslims as inherently suspect or un-American."

Backlash from Modi's Party

The criticism hasn't been confined to online trolls. Members of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have also voiced their disapproval of Mamdani’s remarks and questioned his suitability for the mayoral position. Kangana Ranaut, a BJP Member of Parliament, controversially stated on social media that Mamdani "sounds more Pakistani than Indian," further fueling the divisive rhetoric.

Adding to the controversy, a prominent pro-BJP news channel in India, Aaj Tak, aired a segment alleging that Mamdani receives funding from organizations promoting an "anti-India" agenda, coupled with imagery reinforcing stereotypes about the Muslim population in New York City.

Local Opposition

The opposition also manifested closer to home. A New Jersey-based group, Indian Americans for Cuomo, funded a plane to fly a banner over New York City with the provocative message: "Save NYC from Global Intifada. Reject Mamdani."

The Root of the Outcry: Criticism of Modi

Much of the animosity stems from Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of Hindu nationalism and Modi's governance.

• In 2020, he participated in a Times Square demonstration against a temple built on the site of the Babri mosque.
• In 2023, he read aloud notes from imprisoned Indian activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained without trial on terrorism charges after criticizing Modi's government.
• During a mayoral town hall, Mamdani stated he would refuse to meet with Modi, referring to him as a "war criminal" and citing his role during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Mamdani's unwavering stance on human rights issues, both in India and globally, has made him a target for those who seek to silence dissent.

Identity and Division

Experts suggest that class divisions among Hindu Americans also play a role. With a significant portion of Hindu Americans enjoying high socioeconomic status, social barriers can arise, potentially leading to a disconnect with other Hindu Americans from different class backgrounds.

Suchitra Vijayan, founder of the Polis Project, notes that attacks against Mamdani often center on his identity. "Mamdani is an elected leader who is unabashedly Muslim," she says, drawing parallels with the backlash faced by other Muslim politicians who have criticized Modi.

A ‘Seismic’ Victory and the Path Forward

Despite the negativity, Mamdani's victory is seen by many as a significant moment. Experts believe his campaign has the potential to mobilize Indian American voters and other members of the South Asian diaspora who traditionally lean Democratic. With an estimated **710,000 Indians and Indian Americans** residing in the New York City area, this demographic represents a considerable voting bloc.

Preliminary results show that Mamdani performed strongly in neighborhoods with significant Asian populations. The final tally revealed a decisive win against his closest rival, Cuomo, with **56 percent to 44 percent** of the vote.

"I’ve heard his win described as ‘seismic’,” said Arvind Rajagopal, a professor of media studies at New York University. “He can speak not only Spanish but Hindi, Urdu, and passable Bangla. A candidate with this level of depth and breadth is rare in recent times.”

Jagpreet Singh, Political Director of DRUM Beats, emphasizes that Mamdani has authentically engaged with Hindu working-class communities, participating in Diwali celebrations and pushing for recognition of Diwali as a state holiday.

Conclusion

Zohran Mamdani's journey highlights the complexities of modern politics, where local elections can become entangled with global issues and cultural identities. His primary win is a testament to his ability to connect with a diverse electorate, but it also underscores the challenges he faces in navigating a landscape fraught with political and religious divisions. As he moves towards the general election, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will shape the future of New York City’s leadership.

Tags: Zohran Mamdani, New York Mayor, South Asian, Indian Origin, US Politics, Hindu Right, Narendra Modi, Religious Minorities, Muslim, Mayoral Candidate

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/4/zohran-mamdanis-new-york-primary-win-sparks-the-ire-of-modis-supporters