A mayoral election in New York City has set the internet abuzz across countries and communities — all thanks to one of its standout candidates, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani.
The Indian-origin politician and son of renowned filmmaker Mira Nair is going head-to-head with 67-year-old former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, campaigning on a platform that tackles the city’s soaring cost of living — all while commanding a strong social media presence.
Mamdani recently secured victory in the Democratic primary for the New York mayoral race, and if elected, he would become the first South Asian Muslim to hold the position — two identities he openly embraces and integrates into his campaign messaging.
He has been vocal about progressive policies such as rent freezes, free bus rides, free child care, and taxing the wealthy to fund public welfare programmes. Yet, despite his grassroots activism, Gen Z appeal, and sharp campaign aesthetics, Mamdani’s candidacy has sharply polarised public opinion online. While former US President Donald Trump denounced him as a “100% Communist Lunatic,” Independent Senator Bernie Sanders has thrown his weight behind Mamdani.
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Mamdani’s Political Ecosystem
US senators, including Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Bernie Sanders, have been active supporters among vocal supporters of Mamdani, with Sanders actively campaigning for him.
Omar called Mamdani’s victory in the primary a “testament to the people-powered campaign.” “Thank you, NYC for not letting the bigots and corrupt billionaires prevail. This victory also belongs to you.”
His support stretches beyond politics, drawing endorsements from influencers and celebrities including Emily Ratajkowski and comedian Kaneez Surka.
“Do not rank Cuomo and rank ZOHRAN no. 1,” said American model and actor Ratajkowski in a reel shot with Mamdani.
As Mamdani led the primary and Cuomo conceded his defeat, Surka shared a photo with him captioned: “We did it, New York! We did it!”
Criticism In US And Back Home
Trump criticised Mamdani for his politics and launched a personal attack, commenting on his looks and voice.
“It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous,” he said on Truth Social.
“He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart,” Trump commented.
Mamdani’s criticism also bore an Islamophobic undertone, with some claiming the imposition of Sharia law, while far-right commentator and Trump ally Laura Loomer warned of “another 9/11” under his leadership.
“New Yorkers forgot all about the victims of 9/11 killed by Muslims. Now a Muslim Communist will be the mayor of New York City. Get out while you can,” Loomer wrote in a series of posts on X.
Looks like the Statue of Liberty is getting a makeover. pic.twitter.com/7V1dFVyWhl
— DK🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸 (@1Nicdar) June 25, 2025
Although he frequently embraces his Indian identity by speaking Hindi and Bangla in campaign content, old clips resurfacing online — including his critique of BJP policies and PM Modi — have ignited backlash.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut shared an old clip of the self-declared socialist where he purportedly joined a protest against the demolition of Babri Masjid. She questioned his religious and cultural identity, adding that he sounds “more Pakistani than Indian”.
“His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, Padmashri, a beloved and celebrated daughter born and raised in great Bharat based in Newyork, she married Mehmood Mamdani ( Gujarati origin) a celebrated author, and obviously son is named Zohran, he sounds more Pakistani than Indian…,” said the actor-turned-politician on X.
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi also berated the Democrat leader saying when he “opens his mouth, Pakistan’s PR team takes the day off.” “India doesn’t need enemies with ‘allies’ like him shouting fiction from New York.”
ALSO READ | Congress, BJP Lawmakers Slam Zohran Mamdani After NYC Mayoral Primary Victory: ‘Pakistan’s PR’
But Why Is Internet Divided?
Mamdani’s meteoric rise and the sharp division around him stem from a mix of his policy positions, social media-savvy outreach, and stance on global issues.
While Cuomo had well-funded political action committees backing him, Mamdani built a campaign powered by grassroots supporters and curated for digital virality. His bilingual — and at times trilingual — campaign saw him address audiences in Hindi, Bangla, and Spanish. He did not shy away putting a blooper clip after he was accused of using AI to enhance his Spanish fluency.
Mamdani has also come under scrutiny for his stance on international issues, including his criticism of Israel’s and military action in GAza and support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This drew allegations of anti-Semitism from some quarters, while a section of pro-Palestinians criticised him for not outright denying Israel’s right to exist.
