Refuse to apologise for being Muslim, says Zohran Mamdani

New Yorkers celebrate as Zohran Mamdani is projected winner of the mayoral election. PICs/GETTY IMAGES

Zohran Mamdani, the Indian-origin democratic socialist, pulled off a stunning victory in the fiercely contested New York city mayoral elections, riding on an electrifying campaign to become the first South Asian, Muslim and youngest in a century to helm the administration of the world's financial capital.

Mamdani, 34, son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Indian-origin scholar Mahmood Mamdani, defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who ran as an independent and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

At his victory event, Mamdani challenged US President Donald Trump, targeting the Republican leader's threats to restrict federal funding if he won. "Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you. Turn the volume up. To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us," he said.

He also vowed to tackle economic exploitation in the city, saying, "We will hold bad landlords to account because the Donald Trumps of our city have grown far too comfortable taking advantage of their tenants. We will put an end to the culture of corruption that has allowed billionaires like Trump to evade taxation."

Mamdani continued, "Conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a Democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this." He then described the city as one "built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and now led by an immigrant".

‘Super progressive'

Supporters of Mamdani had gathered at Brooklyn Paramount in New York City. Several Jews present in the crowd called him "a friend of the community" despite Mamdani's criticism of Israeli actions in Palestine. There were ‘Free Palestine' chants at the event.

‘Tryst with Destiny'

Mamdani quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's famous ‘Tryst with Destiny' address. "A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new," Mamdani said, recalling the words of Nehru on the eve of India's independence.

And so it begins, says Trump

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday responded to Mamdani with a brief post on Truth Social. "And so it begins!" Trump wrote hours after Mamdani directly addressed the president during his speech.

Highest voting since 1969

The New York City Board of Elections said that voter turnout in the election has surpassed 2 million for the first time since 1969.

Road to becoming New York mayor-elect

>> Mamdani moved from Uganda to NYC at the age of 7
>> He will be sworn in as mayor on January 1, 2026
>> He beat former New York governor Andrew Cuomo by 181,056 votes
>> Zohran Mamdani will become the 111th, and first Muslim mayor, of New York

‘What a win!'

Mayor elect Zohran Mamdani (right) and his wife Rama Duwaji

Zohran Mamdani, New York mayor-elect
‘After all, if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him'

Donald Trump, US president
‘Trump wasn't on the ballot, and the shutdown, were the two reasons that Republicans lost elections tonight'

Bill Clinton, former US president
‘Wishing you success as you work to transform the passion of your campaign to build a better New York'

Barack Obama, former US president
‘It's a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win'

John C Liu, New York State Senator
‘It's a beautiful night for democracy itself. Here in New York, we have elected a Mayor who truly understands what all New Yorkers have to go through on a daily basis'

Sadiq Khan, London mayor
‘New Yorkers faced a clear choice - between hope and fear - and just like we've seen in London, hope won!'

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