What began as an underdog campaign has now become one of the biggest political plot twists of the year. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic scialist and New York state lawmaker, has clinched the Democratic nomination for NYC mayor—defeating political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo and igniting a firestorm that has reached all the way to US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social tirades.
Mamdani declared victory Tuesday night from a Queens rooftop bar, with 90 per cent of the ballots counted and 43.5 per cent of the vote in his corner. Cuomo, 67, conceded the race, commending Mamdani for a “really smart and great campaign,” even as the final result awaits the ranked-choice count scheduled for July 1.
Born to Indian parents in Uganda, Mamdani migrated to New York at age 7 and finally attained US citizenship in 2018. He was once a rapper who used several aliases, including Young Cardamom, and in the campaign, he embraced his roots and his creative abilities.
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But what began as a grassroots, left-wing campaign has quickly snowballed into a national-level controversy.
‘100% Communist Lunatic’: Trump slams Mamdani
Hours after Mamdani declared victory on X, reacting furiously on Truth Social, Donald Trump labelled Mamdani “a 100 per cent Communist Lunatic” and criticised his looks, voice, and political backers. “It’s finally happened. The Democrats have crossed the line,” Trump wrote.
“We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting ridiculous… Even Cryin’ Chuck Schumer is grovelling over him!,” he added in his post.
Trump’s dramatic reaction underscored how Mamdani’s rise is not just a local story—it’s become a national flashpoint, revealing deep divisions over the future of progressive politics in America.
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Desis celebrate: From political win to parental pressure meme
While Trump launched attacks, Indian and South Asian netizens worldwide celebrated the moment with memes, jokes, and proud declarations. Social media lit up with humour and cultural references, with few users even dubbing Mamdani the “SRK of NYC politics” and praising his lassi-drinking policy videos.
One user quipped, “Zohran Mamdani is out here running for NYC mayor at 33, and you’re still jobless in Gurgaon? Kya zamana hai!” Another joked, “Look at Mira Nair’s son, mayor at 33, and you’re still ‘finding yourself’ in Brooklyn.”
A playful fan group even emerged under the name “Hot Boys for Zohran,” declaring their love for “the vibes, the free bus rides, and that dimpled smile.” His Bollywood-inspired campaign style and TikTok-friendly messages have turned political rallies into pop culture moments.
What’s next?
Should he win the election this November, Mamdani would mark New York’s first-ever Indian American mayor-and youngest in generations. His campaign works over huge progressive issues such as rent freezes and free busses for passengers, carving a niche for himself among young, working-class, immigrant communities.
While the Republicans cautioned about his left-wing platform being “dangerous,” his support base believes that the cultural and generational change in leadership is long overdue.
