Editorial: Mamdani upsets capitalist apple cart

The rise of young Democrat Zohran Mamdani can be seen as a perfect counter-narrative to the racist campaign orchestrated by right-wing elements

The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City is historic for many reasons: an unapologetic socialist at the helm of America’s epicentre of capitalism; the first Muslim to become the mayor in the history of America’s richest city, and the first Indian-origin immigrant to earn a resounding mandate at a time when the anti-immigrant sentiment is running high, and the city’s youngest mayor in over a century. History has placed a heavy burden on the shoulders of the 34-year-old ‘socialist democrat’ whose economic vision for the city is as refreshing and appealing as his challenging political journey. Born in Uganda to parents of Indian descent — a Punjabi Hindu mother, Mira Nair, who is a celebrated Oscar-nominated filmmaker, and a Gujarati Muslim father, Mahmud Mamdani, an accomplished academic at Columbia University — Mamdani represents the microcosm of what constitutes a global citizen. It’s also a testimony to the vibrancy of the American democracy that a seven-year-old immigrant to the city from an African nation gets to realise his dream of becoming its mayor at 34. In the process, he demolishes ethnic stereotypes, overcomes the entrenched bureaucracy, and the ideological status quoism of his own party. His victory resonated with the youth around the world, particularly the Indian-origin communities. The rise of the young Democrat can be seen as a perfect counter-narrative to the racist campaign orchestrated by right-wing elements, with President Donald Trump himself contributing to the hate-filled discourse.

While Trump tapped into the xenophobic sentiments to catapult himself to the centre stage of American politics, Mamdani rose to prominence by harping on hope. His appeal was overwhelming among the young and impatient sections of society, who are disillusioned with corruption and inequality. The mayor-elect’s rise shines a light on the current churn in US domestic politics. Mamdani’s brand of populist politics has also caused ripples in the Democratic Party establishment, which has been unable to counter Trump’s aggression and the radical MAGA campaign. In a deeply polarised political landscape, amid widespread fatigue with liberal extremism, Mamdani has struck a different note. His mayoral campaign focused on an approach that puts the economic concerns of ordinary Americans at the top of the political agenda. This is bound to have a cascading effect on Democrats nationwide, and pressure is likely to mount on them to rework their political strategy. Mamdani ran the campaign on a populist agenda — free bus rides, rent freeze, government-run grocery stores, and free childcare facilities. His win also illustrates the rising influence of minorities and young voters in US urban politics. His welfarist approach resonated with New Yorkers, especially the youth who bear the brunt of rising living costs. He ran an effective social media campaign that focused on everyday struggles and offered simple solutions. After winning the Democratic primary in June, he reached out to critics and displayed a pragmatic streak.

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