Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman and a Democratic Socialist who made headlines worldwide after his victory in the June 25, 2025, Democratic primary election to serve as the Mayor of New York City. His vocal condemnations of global leaders, especially India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his liberal agenda have ignited heated controversy within the U.S. and around the globe.
/*Background and Rise to Prominence*/
Born in Kampala, Uganda, in October 1991, Mamdani immigrated with his family to New York at age seven. He attended Bronx High School of Science before continuing on to pursue a BA in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College, and then later became a housing counselor. Elected to the New York State Assembly in November 2020, he represents the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America for Queens' 36th district. Having won the primary in an upset over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, he stands to be NYC's first Asian American, Muslim, and millennial mayor.
/*Why He's in the News*/
Mamdani is becoming a global viral sensation due to his frank denunciation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he has indicted as a "war criminal" for the Gujarat riots of 2002, in which over 1,000 Muslims were murdered. He asserted at a candidate forum that "people don't even believe we [Muslims] exist anymore" in Gujarat; a contention verified and debunked by Indian officials. In India, this blew into a political storm, with seasoned Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi charging Mamdani with airing "fiction from New York" that helps Pakistan's PR.
/*What He Said About India*/
At the June forum, Mamdani referenced Modi’s denial of responsibility for the Gujarat riots, comparing him to Benjamin Netanyahu and calling him a war criminal. His remarks drew backlash: critics pointed to census data showing over 6 million Muslims still reside in Gujarat. Government officials called them “blatant lies” and overly sensational.
/*Reactions and Broader Context*/
Many South Asian and Muslim communities in New York see Mamdani’s ascent as a breakthrough, celebrating representation and progressive policies. Comedian Hari Kondabolu praised the emotional and symbolic impact: “It’s surreal… this is the same city, but it’s not”.
/*Indian Political Pushback*/
In India, officials denounced his statements. Congressman Singhvi’s critique and BJP-aligned voices accused him of undermining India’s image. The controversy underscores deeper tensions over diaspora identity, free speech, and transnational politics