NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Under Fire from Hindu Groups
<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/07/24/multimedia/00int-india-mamdani-tvfj/00int-india-mamdani-tvfj-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="Zohran Mamdani addressing a group of Muslim men">Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim candidate vying to become New York City's first Muslim mayor, is facing intense criticism from supporters of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These groups accuse him of being anti-Hindu and anti-India, citing his past statements and actions.
Mamdani's Criticism of Modi's Government
Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Modi's government, labeling the Prime Minister a "war criminal" and demanding the return of campaign contributions from individuals he deemed "Hindu fascists". He also lobbied to prevent Modi from visiting New York.
His campaign's silence on a Times Square protest where chants included "Who are Hindus? Bastards!" further fuels the accusations.
International Fallout and Local Impact
The controversy extends beyond New York, with pro-Modi media outlets in India amplifying the attacks. In the US, Indian-American groups, some with ties to the BJP, are subtly supporting Mamdani's opponents, raising money for their campaigns.
<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/07/24/multimedia/00int-india-mamdani-plbw/00int-india-mamdani-plbw-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="Muslim members of a South Asian political group at a rally for Mr. Mamdani">However, Mamdani also enjoys strong support among many South Asians in New York, particularly younger, working-class, Muslim, and liberal communities.
The Divided South Asian Community
New York City's large South Asian population is far from unified on this issue, with religious lines playing a role in shaping opinions. While Mamdani won substantial support in some Asian neighborhoods, the impact of Hindu opposition on his electoral prospects remains uncertain.
The situation highlights how political tensions in India can influence local elections in New York City. Mamdani's future campaign strategy may involve adjusting his approach to Indian politics to appeal to a broader base.
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