Zohran Mamdani’s old video criticising Narendra Modi resurfaces amid NYC Mayoral buzz
New York: As New York City Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani emerges as a prominent contender in the race for the city’s 2025 mayoral elections, a past video of his remarks on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gone viral on social media, drawing both criticism and support.
The resurfaced clip shows Mamdani speaking at a public event earlier this year, where he was asked whether he would consider sharing a platform with PM Modi, particularly in the context of Modi’s Madison Square Garden rally. Mamdani firmly declined the idea and offered a detailed explanation for his position, referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots and drawing a controversial comparison.
“This is someone who helped to orchestrate what was a mass slaughter of Muslims in Gujarat,” Mamdani said in the video, referring to Modi’s role as then Chief Minister of Gujarat. “To the extent that we don’t even believe there are Gujarati Muslims anymore... And this is someone we should view in the same manner that we do Benjamin Netanyahu — this is a war criminal,” he added.
The comments have triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms such as X and Instagram, especially among Indian-American communities and political observers. While some praised Mamdani for taking a principled stand, others criticised the remarks as inflammatory and disrespectful to a democratically elected world leader.
Mamdani, 33, is the son of Indian-born Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair. He is currently a Democratic Socialist and has represented Astoria in the New York State Assembly since 2020. Born in Uganda, Mamdani moved to the United States at age seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
A first-generation Gujarati Muslim by heritage, Mamdani has long been vocal about international human rights issues, including his advocacy for Palestinian rights during his time at Bowdoin College, where he co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter.
His recent rise in the Democratic mayoral primary, especially after the withdrawal of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, has placed him in the national spotlight. He secured the Democratic nomination, Mamdani is expected to face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November general election.
The final results of the Democratic primary are expected later this year. Mamdani has not issued any fresh statement in response to the viral video as of yet.
Zohran Mamdani's view on Narendra Modi
— 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒚𝒂🛡 (@catale7a) June 25, 2025
[New York City Mayoral Democratic Nominee] pic.twitter.com/Laa5VSwxJQ
"We should view Modi the way we view Netanyahu. This is a war criminal," says Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani in his campaign for New York Mayor pic.twitter.com/P6tzorEx5T
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) June 7, 2025
Zohran Mamdani has burnt down Bhakats and Zionist by Calling Modi Butcher of Gujrat and Netanyahu a war Criminal .. Ladies and Gentlemen the Future Mayor of Newyork is already a Hero pic.twitter.com/Y2CxOw73z6
— Faisal Ranjha (@ranjha001) June 25, 2025
Zohran Mamdani's view on Narendra Modi.
— Dr Nimo Yadav 2.0 (@DrNimoYadav) June 25, 2025
Videsh mein danka baj rha hai
pic.twitter.com/oI2jf5wbHE
Zohran Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, is an immigrant, socialist, and now NYC mayoral nominee. He once called Narendra Modi a “war criminal” over the 2002 Gujarat riots. He is a rare politician who doesn't mince words, locally or globally.#Emergency #Emergency1975 pic.twitter.com/GcNCV0kyL7
— Adv. Vijay Singh (@VijaySingh_law) June 25, 2025
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Maharashtra secures historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale in London auction
LONDON/MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has acquired the sword of Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a distinguished commander in the Maratha army under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, after winning it in an auction in London.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar formally took possession of the weapon on Monday. It is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on 18 August, where it will be received with ceremonial honours, as reported by The Indian Express.
News of the sword’s availability surfaced on 28 April this year. Minister Shelar consulted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which the government began preparations to participate in the auction.
A group of Marathi-speaking residents in London gathered to witness the handover. Hemant Dalvi, Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, accompanied the minister during the formalities.
The sword is an 18th-century Maratha Firangi. It has a straight, single-edged European blade with a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt and near the hilt is the European manufacturer’s name, while the spine bears a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription reading “Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang,” confirming its connection to Raghuji Bhosale. The hilt’s gold koftgari work and the green cloth-wrapped rounded pommel add to its rarity as Maratha weapons of the period typically lacked elaborate ornamentation or inscriptions.
Raghuji Bhosale I, ruled from Nagpur between 1695 and 1755. He expanded Maratha influence into Bengal, Odisha, Chanda, Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur and parts of southern India. His military campaigns, included victories over the Nawabs of Bengal, Cuddapah and Kurnool. The Nagpur kingdom was also known for its rich deposits of iron and copper, used for weapons and trade.
While few historians believe that the sword left India in the early 19th century, as part of the war booty taken by the British East India Company after their victory over the Bhosales at the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, others say it was taken later as a diplomatic gift.
The sword will be escorted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to PL Deshpande Kala Academy in Dadar by a ceremonial bike rally upon its arrival in Mumbai next week. A cultural programme titled Gad Garjana will be held the same day in the presence of state dignitaries.
Minister Shelar described the acquisition as an important moment for Maharashtra’s heritage and extended his thanks to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for their support in securing the artefact.
