Zohran Mamdani (33), a progressive candidate of the Democratic Party, has made an unprecedented surprise in the mayoral election of New York City, one of the most important cities in the United States. He made a strong advance by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary election held on Wednesday night. Now he is on the verge of a final victory. If elected, Mamdani will be the first Muslim mayor in the history of New York. This election is considered a milestone not only in local politics but also in the national political context of the United States.
Mamdani Leads, Cuomo Concedes Defeat
With 95 percent of ballots counted, Mamdani has 43 percent of the vote, compared to Cuomo’s 36 percent, according to city officials. After leading by a huge margin, Cuomo called Mamdani to concede defeat that night and congratulate him. Although the final results have not yet been announced, Mamdani’s victory is virtually certain.
This year, New York City is using a “ranked-choice voting” system. In this, voters vote for five candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote outright, a recount is required to determine the winner.
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Ugandan-born Indian-origin Muslim Candidate Makes History
Zohran Mamdani was born in Uganda to an Indian-origin Muslim family. His mother is an artist and his father is a professor at Harvard University. He is currently serving as a state assemblyman from the Queens borough of New York. He is running for mayor on the Democratic Socialists of America ticket.
Although initially trailing in opinion polls, Mamdani gained widespread support at the last minute. His key promises include:
•Affordable rent and housing
•Free daycare
•Free public transport
•Drug-free and safe educational institutions
•Fair wages for working people
He told public radio WNNY,
‘অনেকে বলে ডেমোক্রেটিক পার্টি নাকি খুব বেশি বাম দিকে সরে গেছে। আসলে হয়েছে উল্টো। অনেক দিন ধরে শ্রমজীবী মানুষগুলো পার্টিকে ছেড়ে দিয়েছে, আর পার্টিও তাদের হাত ছেড়ে দিয়েছে।’
Translation: “Many people say the Democratic Party has moved too far to the left. In fact, it’s the opposite. For a long time, working people have abandoned the party, and the party has abandoned them.”
Zohran Mamdani’s left-wing politics have also been the subject of ridicule from former President Donald Trump.
Trump said,
‘সে হলো শতভাগ কমিউনিস্ট পাগল। তাকে বেছে নিয়ে ডেমোক্র্যাটরা সীমা অতিক্রম করেছে।’
Translation: “He’s a 100% communist lunatic. The Democrats crossed the line by electing him.”
In response, progressives in the Democratic Party have come together to strongly support Mamdani. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have spoken out in support of Mamdani.
Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
‘ধনীরা আর লবিস্টরা কোটি কোটি টাকা ঢেলেছে তোমার বিরুদ্ধে, তবু তুমিই জয়ী হয়েছো।’
Translation: “The rich and lobbyists poured billions of dollars against you, yet you won.”
Mamdani’s potential victory is a unique example of the political advancement of Muslims in the United States.
Since Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib entered Congress in 2019, Muslim leadership has been expanding. Mamdani’s victory is a strong addition to that trend.
Mamdani’s opponent in the final general election on November 4 will be incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent candidate. However, political analysts hope that Mamdani’s popularity and positive image can propel him to the mayor’s post.
Source: BSS
