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Newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, says that my first identity is my Indian heritage. Indian heritage gives me a perspective on the world regarding cultural diversity, democracy, political power and migration.
Mamdani is the son of Mira Nair, who directed films like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay. He is the youngest, first Indian and first Muslim in New York in the last 100 years.
Mamdani addresses supporters after winning the New York mayoral election. During this time his family was also present.
Mamdani had a frank conversation with Bhaskar correspondent SS Ali on various issues. Read excerpts from the interview…
1. How important is it to be an Indian-origin mayor?
India has always been close to my heart. I started from India, after Uganda I am now in America. I grew up in an Indian multicultural environment.
It is certainly a matter of pride to become the first Indian-origin mayor of New York. But what I do in the coming days will make the significance of my choice clear. 2. Visa strictness is increasing the problems for Indians to enter America, what is the solution to this? There are problems with H-1B visas, but America has always welcomed migrant skilled workers.
Immigrants made America. I myself am the child of expatriate Indian parents. My parents, who came to America with dreams, have contributed to America’s development like other immigrants.
New York has always been and will always be a city of immigrants. As Mayor of New York, I will not allow the character of this city to change.
3. Migrants are being harassed in America, what will you say on this?
Even the President of America is not allowed to break the law. ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) is arresting migrants in New York in the name of checking them. Migrants are being harassed.
I have clearly told the federal agency ICE that neither the agents nor the President of America have the right to break the law.
The President claims to have started the world’s largest deportation. But I’m with the people of New York. ICE raids will not involve the New York Police (NYPD).
Illegal action will not be allowed in New York.
Mamdani described his victory as a victory for every New Yorker.
4. You have made many big promises to the people of New York, how will you be able to raise money for this?
In a city of the rich like New York, we raised the issues of the middle class. The promise of child care, free health care for all, controlled rents and affordable housing will be fulfilled.
Stores with affordable rates will be opened. By imposing a 2% tax on the super rich we would raise over $4 billion every year. Will fulfill all the promises made to the people.
5. How do you see the rise of new ideologies in global politics? Many ideologies are currently emerging in global politics. This has always been happening. With time there comes a clash between new and old ideologies.
I believe that policies and politics need to revolve around people at the grassroots level.
6. What will you say about the India-America trade deal and relations between the two countries?
To be honest, I don’t want to comment on it. This is not in my jurisdiction.
7. Are you preparing to contest for the post of New York Governor in the future?
My priority right now is to fulfill the promises I made to the people as Mayor of New York City.
Mamdani met Trump for the first time in the White House
Mamdani held his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump on 21 November. This was the first meeting of the two even after the New York City Mayor elections on November 4.
The media asked Mamdani whether he still considered Trump a fascist (dictator). To this Trump said, “No problem, say yes. It’s easier than explaining. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Trump and Mamdani shaking hands as they meet in the Oval Office.
This moment was special because both of them had made very harsh statements about each other during the New York Mayor elections. Trump had called Mamdani a ‘communist maniac’ and ‘jihadi’, while Mamdani had called Trump a ‘dictator’ and ‘fascist’.
Trump said that we want to make New York great again. The better Mamdani does, the happier I will be. Trump even said that Mamdani will surprise many conservatives and that some of his views are similar to mine.
Mamdani also described the meeting as productive and said that we talked about rent, ration, electricity bill and rising prices of living. We both want to make life affordable for New York’s 8.5 million people.
