New York/Delhi: Indian-origin New York politician Zohran Mamdani has come under sharp criticism from both ends of India’s political spectrum following his apparent triumph in the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut both took aim at Mamdani for his outspoken political stance, with Singhvi accusing him of echoing anti-India sentiments and Ranaut questioning his cultural alignment.
Singhvi, a senior Congress figure, took to social media platform X on Thursday, stating, “When Zohran Mamdani 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.” His comments come in response to Mamdani’s recent statements, which have drawn the ire of Indian political figures who claim his views align too closely with narratives promoted by Pakistan.
Kangana Ranaut, newly elected to Parliament from the BJP, also joined the chorus of criticism. Referring to Mamdani’s heritage, she said he “sounds more Pakistani than Indian,” despite being the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and renowned academic Mehmood Mamdani. Ranaut acknowledged Nair’s cultural legacy in India but suggested that Mamdani, by contrast, has distanced himself from his Indian roots.
The political firestorm in India coincides with Mamdani’s unexpected lead over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the city's Democratic primary. Although final results will be confirmed after ranked-choice vote tabulations resume on July 1, Mamdani holds a significant advantage that many believe Cuomo cannot overcome.
His likely win marks a major upset in New York politics, dealing a blow to the once-dominant Cuomo and signaling a shift within the Democratic Party toward a younger, more progressive leadership. At 33, Mamdani — a self-identified democratic socialist and sitting member of the New York State Assembly — now faces a challenging general election battle against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, a Republican challenger, and possibly a resurgent Cuomo.
The reaction from Indian political leaders suggests Mamdani’s ascent is being closely watched not just in New York but across the globe, with his outspoken activism sparking both admiration and controversy.
