Grew up in plural India, speaks for plural New York: Mamdani takes aim at PM Modi on Diwali

Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee, used the Diwali festival to reaffirm his critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, framing it as a defense of the pluralistic India he grew up in.

Visiting several Hindu temples in Queens for the Festival of Lights, Mamdani emphasized that his criticism of Modi and the BJP stems from their vision of a country that “only has room for certain kinds of Indians.”

“So, I have been critical of Mr. Modi because the vision I grew up with was of an India that was pluralistic—an India where everyone belonged, no matter their religion,” Mamdani said in his address to the Hindu-American community. “My critique is of the BJP’s vision, not the people. Pluralism is something to be celebrated and strived for.”

Mamdani also addressed Hindu Americans who may disagree with his stance on Modi, noting that as mayor, he intends to serve all eight and a half million New Yorkers equally. “Many may feel differently than me about Mr. Modi, and that’s their right,” he said. “My responsibility is to ensure they are safe and can afford this city, regardless of political views.”

The remarks come months after Mamdani referred to Modi as a “war criminal” in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots, sparking outrage both in India and among segments of the Indian-American community in New York. An old video resurfaced showing Mamdani alleging that Muslims were effectively “eradicated” from Gujarat during the riots.

Mamdani’s outspoken criticism has already triggered backlash. In June, a plane flew over the Statue of Liberty with a banner reading “Save NYC from global intifada” and “Reject Mamdani,” organized by Hindu Americans angered by what they called his “anti-Hindu and anti-Indian agenda.”

His statements have also drawn sharp criticism from political leaders in India. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi dismissed Mamdani’s claims as “fiction,” while BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said he “sounds more Pakistani than Indian.” Locally, Indian-American liberal Indu Viswanathan called Mamdani’s remarks “blatant lies” and warned they reflect an “illiberal, anti-intellectual left-wing authoritarianism” infiltrating progressive politics.

With barely two weeks left before the New York mayoral election, Mamdani is courting voters across all communities, including the city’s significant Indian-American population. Despite a lead over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, polls indicate the race is tightening, leaving Mamdani’s outreach to Hindu Americans more crucial than ever.