Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist is very likely to become first Muslim Mayor of New York City after stunning win in a primary Mayoral election against very strong rival of Republican party, Andrew Cuomo. He is known for his bold positions on international human rights and progressive domestic policies. He has taken a jibe on Indian PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, on different occasiuons, for their violent actions against the commons, calling them a “War Criminal”
Also Read: Zohran Mamdani, first Muslim likely to become New York mayor
As Mamdani gains international attention after winning primary, his old videos have been resurfaced having sharp criticism against world leaders. One viral clip shows him strongly rejecting the idea of sharing a platform with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, due to his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.
He says, “My father, his family comes from Gujrat in India. And his family is Muslim, I am Muslim. Narendra Modi helped to orchestrate what was a mass slaughter of Muslims in Gujrat to the extent that we don t even believe that there are any Gujrati Muslims anymore and when I tell someone that I am, it s a shock to them that is a case. This is someone who we should view in the same manner that we do Benjamin Netanyahu. This is ‘war criminal’.”
Zohran Mamdani s view on Narendra Modi
— 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒚𝒂🛡 (@catale7a) June 25, 2025
[New York City Mayoral Democratic Nominee] pic.twitter.com/Laa5VSwxJQ
In this video, Mamdani compares Modi to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, referring both of them as "war criminals". This statements triggered reactions across social media and among Indian-American and Jewish communities.
In another interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, he criticised Netanyahu for his antihuman activities in Gaza. In a reply to question, he even stated that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu if he visited New York, showing his alignment with international law and human rights advocacy.
He says, “As a mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu. This is a city that our values are in line with international law. It s time that our actions are also”.
He continues by saying, "It s time that we actually step up and make clear what we are willing to do to showcase the leadership that is sorely missing in the federal administration.
“If elected mayor, I would have Netanyahu arrested if he set foot in New York.”
— Gabbar (@Gabbar0099) June 26, 2025
- Zohran Mamdani leader with spine ❤️ pic.twitter.com/m8Q7ChJf5C
It is important to note that Zohran Mamdani is the son of academician Mahmood Mamdani and Indian filmmaker Mira Nair. He has long aligned himself with left-wing movements. As a first-generation Gujarati Muslim and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights since his university years, he keeps on talking about affordability, inclusivity and radical policy change. His also includes these agendas in his mayoral election campaign.
Now, the general election is scheduled on November 4 and Mamdani will face Republican Curtis Sliwa. But there are strong chances that Zohran Mamdani will win these elections quite comprehensively by outnumbering Republican’s Sliwa.
