New York: Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist of Ugandan-Indian origin, has scripted history as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. He secured 50.4% of the vote in the November 4 election against rivals Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
Backed overwhelmingly by Gen Z voters — 78% of those aged 15-29— and communities of colour, his victory is seen as a rebuke to President Donald Trump’s economic policies. Yet, social media buzz dubs him the “Arvind Kejriwal of New York,” evoking parallels with the Aam Aadmi Party leader’s populist ascent in Delhi.
Mamdani’s campaign mirrored Kejriwal’s 2015 playbook: lavish freebies to woo the middle class and immigrants. He pledged free bus rides for the city’s 1 million daily commuters, a four-year freeze on rent hikes amid soaring housing costs, construction of 200,000 subsidised homes for the poor, affordable ration shops, and universal infant healthcare. These promises propelled him to victory as the first South Asian Muslim mayor. This is much like Kejriwal’s vows of free electricity, water, and transport galvanised Delhiites.
However, Mamdani’s road ahead echoes those of Kejriwal. Assuming office in January 2026, he faces a $115.9 billion city budget dominated by property taxes. This budget includes major allocations for public transit, education, and sanitation. Fulfilling pledges could strain resources: free buses might cost $800-900 million annually, infant care costs up to $7 billion, and police operations already devour $6.3 billion. Trump’s vocal disdain — mocking Mamdani’s “angry” speeches and threatening to withhold federal funds — leaves no hope for national aid, akin to Delhi’s tussles with a BJP-led Centre.
Experts warn of pitfalls. “Mamdani’s Kejriwal-model win risks unpopularity if promises falter amid inflation and job crises,” notes Delhi University political scientist Dr Rajkumar Phalwaria. Hiking taxes on the wealthy remains his sole recourse, but federal constraints limit their options, potentially alienating elites.
As Mamdani vows “relentless improvement” to affordability, his tenure will test whether his populist fire can forge enduring change in the Big Apple.