What Mamdani’s win means for the world
Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the new Mayor of New York City, the most populous and economically powerful city in the United States, often seen as a global hub for finance, commerce, and technology. The election drew worldwide attention and became one of the biggest political talking points in recent times. Mamdani’s victory as the first person of South Asian descent, the first Muslim, and the youngest in over a century to become New York’s mayor is nothing short of historic.
While these achievements alone are remarkable, Mamdani’s win carries deeper meaning, not just for American politics, but for the global political landscape. His rise to power in one of the world’s most influential cities is expected to create ripples across political systems and inspire movements far beyond the United States.
When the election process began, Mamdani wasn’t even considered a serious contender within his own Democratic Party. His chances were pegged at barely one percent, and many dismissed him as inexperienced. His turnaround from an underdog to the Mayor of New York is an inspiring story that will find a place in history. Standing up to some of New York’s biggest political heavyweights, Mamdani’s journey has become a modern-day David versus Goliath story, driven by perseverance, conviction, and a clear ideological purpose that will inspire young politicians across the world.
As the campaign progressed, several powerful leaders, including the US President Donald Trump, openly opposed him. Major American corporations also poured money into the race against Mamdani. According to Forbes, at least 26 billionaires collectively spent more than $22 million to support his opponents and run negative ads. Unmoved by these efforts, Mamdani stayed focused on grassroots support. His campaign attracted over 40,000 small donors, with an average contribution of just $98, the lowest in the race. In doing so, he proved that corporate money in politics has its limits.
Besides financial opposition, Mamdani faced intense racist and Islamophobic attacks. He was accused of sympathizing with terrorism, with his main opponent Andrew Cuomo even endorsing such sentiments indirectly. Despite this, Mamdani never hid his Muslim identity and campaigned on a message of inclusion and equality. Instead of responding to hate with hate, he stayed calm and focused on real issues that mattered to people.
His promises, from free childcare and public-funded affordable housing to city-owned grocery stores, rent freezes, and higher taxes on the wealthy, resonated deeply with ordinary New Yorkers. People realized that these were the issues that truly impacted their lives. At a time when most politicians rely on empty rhetoric and divisive narratives, Mamdani’s focus on everyday concerns set him apart.
Unlike many politicians who shy away from ideological labels, Mamdani proudly called himself a “Democratic Socialist” and promised to live by those values. In the heart of global capitalism, his unwavering ideological clarity stood out. Even when Trump mocked him as a “Crazy Marxist,” Mamdani remained composed and refused to engage in vindictive politics.
In a world witnessing rising anti-immigrant sentiment and nationalist movements, Mamdani’s election, an immigrant becoming the Mayor of New York, offers hope. It reinforces the idea that migration continues to be a powerful force shaping human progress and cultural exchange.
During the campaign, a video of Mamdani eating biryani with his hands went viral. While many saw it as a celebration of his cultural roots, others mocked it as “unsanitary” and “third world.” Such comments reflected a lingering colonial mindset rooted in Western superiority. Mamdani, however, stayed true to his heritage, even playing “Dhoom Machale” at his victory event.
What made Mamdani stand out even more was his clear stand on the Palestinian issue. He called Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide” and compared the situation to “apartheid.” In a city with about 1.3 million Jewish residents, the second-largest Jewish community in the world, his position was both bold and principled. Mamdani declared that as mayor, he would honor any International Criminal Court warrant against Israeli leaders, including arresting Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York. While critics accused him of antisemitism, Mamdani clarified that he opposed Zionism, not Judaism, standing firm on humanitarian grounds.
Even after his victory, it’s widely expected that Mamdani will face hurdles in governing. Trump had earlier threatened to cut federal funding to New York if Mamdani won. But Mamdani has remained defiant, saying he would not be intimidated and would instead asked Trump to “turn the volume up.” His resilience offers a lesson to leaders everywhere about standing firm on values, even under pressure.
In the United States, both major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans are often seen as “the same wine in different bottles,” with little difference in ideology or policy. It remains to be seen whether Mamdani’s victory will push the Democratic Party toward ideological introspection.
Mamdani’s victory has undoubtedly turned a new leaf in the present political scenario across the world. It has opened about a new ray of hope for the dwindling “issue based inclusive politics” all around the globe. It is curious to know how Mamdani’s own journey unfolds after a new chapter in his political journey. Whether his promise of issue based inclusive politics with “Democratic Socialism” at its helm reaches its logical end is another equally curious thing to watch out in the near future.
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Lost a good friend; void cannot be filled: Fadnavis mourns Ajit Pawar’s passing
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend.
Fadnavis said “today” (January 28) will be a government holiday and there will be a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Pawar.
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void that will never be filled, he said. “After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” Fadnavis said.
Talking to reporters, Fadnavis described Pawar as a people’s leader who knew the state well and had a deep understanding of the issues in Maharashtra. He said it takes several years to build and establish such leadership.
Fadnavis said he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The CM said he had also spoken with Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule and his son Parth Pawar.
“Both (Deputy CM) Eknath Shinde and I are leaving for Baramati now. Once their entire family gathers in Baramati, we will share further details,” he said.
The entire state stands by Pawar’s family and his party NCP in this hour of grief, he added.
Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati, they said.
Several state BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ravindra Chavan and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, expressed deep grief over Pawar’s passing.
“This heart-wrenching incident has left the mind numb. Maharashtra has lost an experienced, dutiful and resolute leader,” state minister Shelar said.
Pawar left a distinct imprint on the state’s politics through his strong grip over administration, decisiveness and relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round progress. “Firmness, discipline, punctuality and tireless dedication were defining aspects of his personality,” he said.
BJP state president Ravindra Chavan said Maharashtra’s politics was unimaginable without Pawar. He said Pawar was known as a dynamic leader with a powerful command over administration and an unwavering focus on the state’s comprehensive development.
He said Pawar held the record for serving the longest tenure as deputy CM in the state’s history and left an indelible mark while handling key portfolios such as irrigation, energy and finance. “With his passing, Maharashtra has lost a firm, disciplined, punctual and indefatigable leader. This void can never be filled,” Chavan said.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described Pawar as a senior friend and guide. “Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened,” he said. Pawar would be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to Maharashtra’s all-round development, Bawankule said.
Recalling Pawar’s immense administrative experience, Bawankule said he had personally sought the NCP leader’s advice on several occasions.
“The loss of Ajitdada is not merely the departure of one leader; it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a dear elder friend and guide,” Bawankule said, adding that the reality of Pawar no longer being among them felt impossible to accept.
VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
