Months after labeling Narendra Modi as a “war criminal,” Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor of New York City, has reiterated his criticism of the Prime Minister while engaging with Hindu American voters during Diwali celebrations. Mamdani, who grew up in a diverse India, visited Hindu temples in Queens for Diwali and expressed his belief that Modi and the BJP are promoting an exclusive vision for India that excludes certain groups.
During his address to the Hindu American community, Mamdani highlighted his upbringing in a pluralistic society and his opposition to Modi’s and the BJP’s narrow vision for the country. He emphasized the importance of celebrating and striving for pluralism in India.
In his recent interactions with the Hindu-American community, Mamdani acknowledged differing views on Modi and assured that, if elected mayor, he would represent all New Yorkers equally, regardless of their opinions on the Prime Minister. He emphasized his responsibility to ensure the safety and affordability of the city for all residents.
Following Mamdani’s win in the Democratic mayoral primary, an old video resurfaced where he criticized Modi for the 2002 Gujarat riots, alleging the eradication of Muslims in the region. Despite facing criticism for his remarks, Mamdani has continued his efforts to appeal to voters across various segments in New York City, which has a significant Indian American population.
As the mayoral election approaches, Mamdani faces competition from independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. While Mamdani’s lead has narrowed in recent weeks, he aims to secure the support of the Indian-American voter base in New York, despite some backlash for his criticisms of Modi.
Notably, Mamdani’s comments on the Gujarat riots have drawn bipartisan criticism in India, with leaders from both the Congress and the BJP challenging his statements. However, he remains firm in his stance, attracting both support and opposition within the Indian and Hindu American communities in New York.