Inside the NYC Mayoral Race: Mamdani Confronts Criticism from the South Asian Community

Zohran Mamdani is making waves as he runs for mayor of New York City. If he wins, he will be the first Asian American and Muslim to hold the position. His campaign has resonated with many in the city’s immigrant communities. However, he also faces backlash, especially from some members of the South Asian community who view him as anti-Hindu.

Mamdani, who comes from a family with both Hindu and Muslim roots, has encountered a flood of Islamophobic criticism. A report from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate highlighted that these attacks span both U.S. and South Asian platforms, showing how local elections can echo global tensions.

At a recent community event at the Gujarati Samaj in Queens, a controversial speaker labeled Mamdani as “a new demon” obstructing what she described as “Ram Rajya,” a term for an ideal Hindu state. This rhetoric reflects a growing level of religious tension in New York politics, deeply affecting how South Asians may vote in the upcoming elections.

Despite this, Mamdani also has supporters among Hindus who admire his commitment to inclusivity. While his campaign has remained quiet on the religious attacks against him, he has previously spoken about the need to unite New Yorkers rather than divide them.

The dynamics are complex. New York City is home to around 450,000 South Asians, with significant populations of Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis. Pew Research shows that while nearly half of Indian Americans identify as Hindu, about 60% of Bangladeshi and Pakistani Americans are Muslim. This diversity can shape perceptions and votes in intricate ways.

Mamdani’s critics often cite his outspoken criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as problematic. Some claim his strong language against Hindu figures reinforces negative stereotypes about Muslims. Suhag Shukla from the Hindu American Foundation noted that although being critical of Modi is acceptable in politics, Mamdani’s recent comments can be troubling.

Public sentiments are varied. Some Hindus feel Mamdani’s victory would threaten their community’s interests, while others—like political scientist Sangay Mishra—suggest that fears of Muslims can lead to distancing behaviors within the Hindu community in America.

Not everyone agrees. Many Hindus want to move beyond the divisions. Lavanya Daradhalli, part of a grassroots collective backing Mamdani, argues he represents the pluralism of their diverse backgrounds. They want unity, not division.

Even within the Hindu community, some reject the idea that Mamdani’s Muslim identity should be a barrier to his qualifications. Dr. Uma Mysorekar, a leader in the Hindu community, affirmed that judging someone solely on their religion isn’t fair. She emphasized the need to focus on what he could do for New York as a whole.

While Mamdani faces criticism from some quarters, he has also been actively participating in Hindu festivals, fostering goodwill and community connections. Supporters emphasize that his focus should be on pressing urban issues like housing and affordability, which resonate with many New Yorkers regardless of their background.

The race for mayor is revealing deep-seated issues of community identity and belonging in a multicultural city. It also illustrates how local elections can reflect broader religious and political dynamics, shaping the future of New York City.



Source link