Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a senior Congress leader, made a scathing remark about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate of Indian descent who just won the mayoral primary in New York City, on Thursday. Singhvi attacked Mamdani for his previous divisive comments, saying that they are more beneficial to Pakistan than to India.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Singhvi wrote, “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.” Singhvi’s remarks come in the wake of growing scrutiny around Mamdani's political and ideological leanings, especially in India, where his past criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reignited debate.
On Tuesday night, Zohran Mamdani, the son of Ugandan scholar and writer Mahmood Mamdani and celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair, was formally proclaimed the victor of the Democratic primary for the mayoral race of New York City.
Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and a representative for Queens in the New York State Assembly, is well-known for his progressive views. He is now in the national spotlight in both India and the United States after defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary.Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also attacked Mamdani harshly, focussing on his cultural and religious identity, the day before Singhvi's post. She questioned his Indian ancestry and accused him of anti-Hindu sentiments in a tweet.
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“His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, Padma Shri, a beloved and celebrated daughter born and raised in great Bharat, based in New York. She married Mehmood Mamdani (Gujarati origin), a celebrated author, and obviously her son is named Zohran. He sounds more Pakistani than Indian. Whatever happened to his Hindu identity or bloodline, and now he is ready to wipe out Hinduism, wow!! It’s the same story everywhere,” Kangana wrote.
Online outcry and debate followed the comment; some defended Ranaut's worries about cultural identity and patriotism, while others denounced the rhetoric as xenophobic.
In addition to garnering interest in American political circles, Mamdani's rise to power has sparked a discussion about identity, loyalty, and diaspora politics in India. Indian political leaders' responses to his New York mayoral campaign underscore the wider, cross-border ideological differences.
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Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani, 33, is the son of Mehmood Mamdani, an academic, and Mira Nair, a well-known Indian-American filmmaker. He is a self-described socialist who has been involved in progressive political causes in New York and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Mamdani's run for mayor has garnered a lot of support and is seen as a turning point in the US Democratic Party's ideological trajectory. He would be the first Muslim mayor of New York City if elected. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, his main rival, has already backed down, making Mamdani the overwhelming favourite.
In a post on his social media account, Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump also attacked Mamdani. Trump expressed shock at Mamdani's growing political popularity by calling him a "100 per cent Communist Lunatic." In his usual combative tone, Trump wrote, "He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he has AOC+3 — Dummies ALL — backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is grovelling over him." Mamdani's mayoral campaign continues to be a topic of political debate in the US and abroad as he continues to receive attention from prominent public figures, both in terms of support and criticism.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut says Zohran Mamdani’s name ‘sounds Pakistani’
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