New York [US], November 5 (ANI): Supporters of New York’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani erupted in celebration at Brooklyn Paramount on Tuesday (local time) as the 34-year-old Democrat clinched a landslide victory in the city’s fiercely contested mayoral election. The win marks a historic moment — Mamdani becomes the first Indian-American and Muslim to serve as New York City’s mayor, and the youngest in over five decades.
Rohit Bhardwaj, a supporter, expressed his excitement, calling Mamdani a “super progressive candidate” and a unifying force across communities.
“He has got everybody on board — the South Asian community, Hispanic community, the Black community. The working class is with him. I think New York is about to become more affordable,” Bhardwaj said. “It’s great to see a South Asian mayor being elected. The fact that he speaks Hindi and Urdu makes it even better.”
A Jewish Rabbi in attendance called Mamdani’s win a powerful symbol of coexistence.
“Being a Jewish supporter of a Muslim mayor is something that should be replicated even in Palestine,” he said. “We are going to send a message to the world — an example of Jewish people living under a Muslim mayor in the United States. This can work in Palestine and in many parts of the world.”
He added that Mamdani’s criticism of Israeli actions stemmed from humanitarian principles, not hostility:
“We all consider Mr. Mamdani a friend of the Jewish people. We are delighted to see a person of courage who stood up, despite intimidation, to speak about crimes being committed in Palestine.”
Another supporter, Francesca, said Mamdani’s leadership symbolized hope for an inclusive city.
“He represents hope for America, hope for New York City. I voted for him because he wants to make New York a city that everyone can afford to live in, not just the rich,” she said.
“Refuse to Apologise for Being Muslim”: Mamdani’s Fiery Victory Speech
During his victory address in Brooklyn, Mamdani spoke passionately about his faith, identity, and vision for New York.
“The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young. I am Muslim. I am a Democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this,” he declared, to thunderous applause.
He took direct aim at US President Donald Trump, who had previously warned that federal funding could be cut if Mamdani won.
“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up! To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us,” Mamdani said, sparking cheers from the crowd.
Mamdani pledged to tackle economic exploitation, promising to hold bad landlords accountable and end the “culture of corruption” that benefits billionaires.
“We will stand alongside unions and expand labour protections because we know, just as Donald Trump does, that when working people have ironclad rights, the bosses who seek to extort them become very small indeed,” he added.
He concluded with a call for solidarity, declaring that New York would “be the light in a time of darkness.”
Trump Responds: “And So It Begins”
President Donald Trump quickly responded to Mamdani’s remarks with a brief post on Truth Social, writing:
“And so it begins!”
The exchange signaled the start of what analysts predict will be a high-stakes political clash between the Republican president and the Democratic socialist mayor. Mamdani has vowed to challenge Trump’s immigration policies and “authoritarian tendencies,” while Trump has hinted that federal funding for New York City could be at risk under Mamdani’s administration.
Speaking to supporters, Mamdani said New York would lead the resistance.
“If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” he said. “To terrify a despot, dismantle the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power.”
He pledged to implement “the most ambitious cost-of-living agenda since the 1940s,” including a rental freeze, universal childcare, and stronger social protections for the working class.
Ramaswamy Reacts: Calls for End to “Identity Politics”
Meanwhile, American entrepreneur and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy reacted to Democrats’ sweeping victories across the country — including Mamdani’s — with a stark warning to his party.
In a video posted on X, Ramaswamy said:
“We got our defeat handed to us in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. Democrats swept all. Our side needs to focus on affordability — bring down the cost of living, energy, and healthcare. Cut out identity politics. It doesn’t suit Republicans. That’s the woke left’s game.”
Ramaswamy, who is running for governor of Ohio in 2026, emphasized that Republicans should focus on uniting Americans through shared economic goals rather than cultural or identity-based divisions.
Democrats also celebrated major wins in New Jersey, where Mikie Sherrill was elected governor, and in Virginia, where Abigail Spanberger became the state’s first female governor. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the results as a “repudiation of the Trump agenda.”
“The cruelty, chaos, and greed that define MAGA radicalism were rejected by the American people,” Schumer said. “It’s a good night for Democrats and for our fight to lower costs, improve healthcare, and build a better future for American families.”
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