Zohran Mamdani Defends Criticism of PM Modi Amid Election Campaign
Months after labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “war criminal,” New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has spoken out to clarify his stance while connecting with Hindu American voters during Diwali celebrations. He emphasized that he grew up in a diverse India that valued inclusivity.
While visiting Hindu temples in Queens for the Festival of Lights, Mamdani expressed concerns about Modi’s leadership and the vision of his party, the BJP. He stated, “I have been critical of Mr. Modi because I believe in an India where everyone belongs, no matter their faith. Unfortunately, the current narrative seems to leave out many Indians.”
In his outreach efforts, Mamdani reassured those who disagree with him about Modi: “I understand I’m running for mayor of a city with over eight million residents. Many might not share my views about the Prime Minister, and that’s perfectly fine. I am committed to representing everyone and ensuring their safety and well-being.”
Earlier this year, after winning the Democratic primary, an old video surfaced showing Mamdani criticizing Modi related to the violence during the 2002 Gujarat riots. He described the tragic events and their long-lasting effects on the Muslim community in Gujarat.
During a candidates’ forum, he drew comparisons between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling both “war criminals.”
With only weeks until the mayoral election, Mamdani is actively working to engage all voter groups in New York City, home to a significant Indian American population. Although current polls show him leading over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo by 13 percentage points, recent weeks have seen a narrowing of that margin. Any shift, including the potential withdrawal of Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, could complicate the race.
Despite his aim to connect with Indian American voters, Mamdani has faced backlash due to his previous statements about Modi. Two days before the NYC Democratic primary in June, a plane flew over the Statue of Liberty, displaying a banner calling to “Save NYC from global intifada” and “Reject Mamdani.” This was organized by a group of Hindu Americans who criticized what they called his “anti-Hindu and anti-Indian agenda.”
Mamdani’s remarks regarding the Gujarat riots have sparked criticism from leaders across the political spectrum in India. Prominent figures, including Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, challenged his statements on social media, while BJP MP Kangana Ranaut echoed similar sentiments, suggesting he seems more aligned with anti-Indian views.
Indu Viswanathan, a liberal Indian-American in New York, described Mamdani’s words as “blatant lies” and criticized him as a manifestation of an anti-intellectual left movement in progressive politics.
As the election approaches, Mamdani’s Indian heritage remains a focal point as he seeks to earn the trust of all New Yorkers during this crucial campaign.
