Latest news with #MahmoodMamdani
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Why Indian-origin Zohran Mamdani cannot become president of the United States of America
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, center right, appears on stage with his family including his mother, Mira Nair, left, his wife, Rama Duwaji, and father, Mahmood Mamdani, right, at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa) What do Zohran Mamdani, Elon Musk, and Arnold Schwarzenegger have in common? At first glance, not much – unless you count their uncanny ability to grab America's attention. Yet all three have thrown a spotlight back on one of the country's most peculiar constitutional quirks: who gets to become President. In recent days, Zohran Mamdani has made liberals go Obama delulu – that social phenomenon where every promising liberal leader is imagined as the second coming of Barack Obama. After all, here is Zohran Mamdani: socialist state assemblyman, TikTok darling, heir to Mahmood Mamdani's intellectual insurgency, and, in the fevered imaginations of brunch-table liberals, the Barack Obama of the algorithm age. But let's drop the lo-fi reels, rent freeze montages, and pastel infographics for a moment. Because one truth slices through the aesthetic fog: Zohran Mamdani can never, under any circumstance, become President of the United States. The Socialist Stain Yes, his democratic socialism would terrify suburban independents. Bernie Sanders couldn't sell 'socialism' to half the country even with decades of Senate credibility and a grandpa charm. Mamdani's policy slate of free buses, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores would collapse under Rust Belt scepticism. Americans prefer their socialists fictional, like Robin Hood, or dead, like Eugene Debs. The Muslim Factor Yes, his Shia Muslim identity would make him an easy target. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sharp Design, Smoother Drives. Toyota Glanza Learn More Undo No Muslim has ever been a major party nominee. Islamophobia may have retreated from polite conversation, but it remains embedded in the American political bloodstream. His unapologetic religious identity and vocal Palestinian solidarity would birth attack ads before he even declared candidacy. The Brown Immigrant Identity Yes, his brown skin and immigrant story unsettle America's notions of 'presidential.' Obama succeeded because his biography soothed white anxieties: Hawaii, Columbia, Harvard, Christian faith, family-man demeanour. Mamdani's biography is messier: born in Kampala to Indian-Ugandan parents, raised in the intellectual forge of Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair , with no assimilationist pretence. For many voters, that is too many hyphens, too many continents, too many unsettling reminders that whiteness is not destiny but design. But None Of This Matters Because all these political and cultural hurdles are rendered irrelevant by a single, immovable legal reality: Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution 'No person except a natural-born Citizen… shall be eligible to the Office of President.' That's it. That's the end. Zohran Mamdani was born in Uganda in 1991 to non-American parents. He became a US citizen only through naturalisation in 2018. In constitutional law, that is checkmate. What Does 'Natural-Born' Actually Mean? It means citizenship at birth without naturalisation. Born on US soil? Eligible. Born abroad to American parents? Eligible. Born abroad to non-American parents and later naturalised? Never eligible. It's why Elon Musk, despite his billions, memes, rockets, and political sway, can never be President. It's why Arnold Schwarzenegger, despite governing California and marrying into the Kennedy dynasty, could never run for President. And it is why Zohran Mamdani, no matter how viral his campaign reels become, can never stand before the Capitol with a hand on the Bible. Are There Loopholes? Only one: amend the Constitution. Congress has tried. In 2003, Senator Orrin Hatch proposed the 'Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment' to let naturalised citizens run. It failed. Every such attempt has failed. The Founders wrote this clause to keep 'ambitious foreigners' out of the presidency. Two and a half centuries later, it remains unbending. The Final Frame Zohran Mamdani may yet become Mayor of New York, where vibe is policy and charisma is budget. He may enter Congress, where his Urdu-poetry-infused TikToks on housing justice will collect millions of views. He may even become a national progressive icon. But President? Never. Not because he is socialist. Not because he is Muslim. Not because he is brown. But because he wasn't born in America. The Constitution does not care about ideology, faith, or skin colour here. It cares only about place of birth. Because Article II is the one text no filter can soften, no algorithm can rewrite, no insurgent movement can overthrow. His revolution may be vertical, captioned, colour-graded in Mira Nair hues. But it will never be inaugurated.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Watch: NYC mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani's rooftop Nikah in Dubai with Rama Duwaji
Zohran Mamdani, running for the position of New York Mayor, has been the talk of the town among Americans and non-Americans alike, catching much attention for his Indian heritage and being NYC's first Muslim mayor if elected. The democratic socialist also speaks to many in America who are hoping for a drop in living expenses, as Mamdani aims to "bring down the rent, create world class public transit, and make it easier to raise a family". As Mamdani runs his campaign, audiences are eagerly watching not just his political moves but also his family life. The family he came from, and the family he seeks to build. His parents are Mahmood Mamdani, colonialism and postcolonial studies professor at Columbia University of Gujarati Muslim descent and Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker internationally acclaimed for her films like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay. Mamdani is also married to Rama Duwaji, a Syrian illustrator and animator based in Brooklyn, NYC. In a "garden romance" rooftop setting in Dubai Creek Harbour, the two got engaged in late 2024, and held a Nikkah ceremony. Dubai is home to Duwaji's family, according to the Mamdani campaign. This was before their marriage at a civil ceremony in the clerk's office at New York City, the Mamdani campaign added. Watch the video of the venue, which was turned into a floral sanctuary, here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Marché des Fleurs (@lmf_dubai) Who is Rama Duwaji? The Syrian-American illustrator and animator works in the digital medium, examining "the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences," according to her official website. She has worked with a variety of clients, most notably The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE and the Tate Modern. The animator also creates hand-built ceramics, to take a break from the digital world, and hosts workshops on combining illustration and pottery to create handmade, illustrated plates, according to her website. Mamdani has asked social media commenters and "right-wing trolls" to avoid making the political race about his wife, and to focus on him instead.
UAE Moments
5 days ago
- Politics
- UAE Moments
Zohran Mamdani: NYC's Rising Progressive Voice
Zohran Mamdani, once known as the rapper 'Young Cardamom,' is now one of New York City's most dynamic progressive leaders. Born in Uganda and raised in Queens, Mamdani brings a global perspective to local politics, championing fare-free transit, housing justice, and economic equity. As a Democratic Socialist and a powerful community advocate, his journey from music to policy highlights a commitment to making NYC affordable and fair for all. 1- Globally rooted upbringing Born in Kampala, Uganda (1991), spent early childhood there and later in Cape Town, South Africa, before moving to NYC at age 7. Graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and holds a BA in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. 2- Former rapper with a political beat Performed under the moniker Young Cardamom ('Mr Cardamom'), collaborating on the EP Sidda Mukyaalo and tracks like 'Nani'. Blended social commentary and South Asian cultural identity in his music, which later fueled his transition into politics. 3- Political lineage & family Son of celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair and historian Mahmood Mamdani, giving him exposure to the arts, academia, and global affairs. 4- From counselor to legislator Worked as a housing and foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens, which shaped his commitment to affordability and tenant rights. Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, representing Queens' 36th district—including Astoria and Long Island City—with re‑elections in 2022 and 2024. 5- Democratic Socialist & changemaker A prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America, endorsed by figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC. Championed fare‑free bus pilots, blocked a fossil fuel peaker plant in Astoria, and helped secure $100M+ in state funding for public transit. 6- Historic mayoral bid Running for NYC Mayor in 2025, advocating bold economic justice policies: free buses & childcare, rent freezes, city‑run grocery stores, and a $30/hr minimum wage by 2030. Would be the city's first Muslim and Indian‑American mayor if elected. 7- Global and local fluency Fluent or conversant in Urdu/Hindi, Bengali, Spanish, and uses multilingual messaging in campaign materials. Co‑founded Bowdoin's Students for Justice in Palestine, reflecting long‑held activism on global human rights. 8- Personal life & interests Became a U.S. citizen in 2018; practices as a Twelver Shia Muslim. Married Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji, whom he met on Hinge, and they live in Astoria. Avid fan of Arsenal FC, the NY Mets, and the NY Giants 9- Digital-native campaigning Zohran Mamdani blends global heritage, grassroots engagement, creative flair, and progressive policy into a candidate reshaping NYC politics.
Sky News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Who is Zohran Mamdani? The democratic socialist who could become New York City's next mayor
Self-described socialist Zohran Mamdani could become New York City's mayor after his shock Democratic mayoral primary win. The 33-year-old candidate took the spot of favourite Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who was attempting to make a political comeback from a sexual harassment scandal. If he were to win when voters head to the polls in November, Mr Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor. But how did he do it, what does he stand for and what is his background? Born in Uganda, raised in New York Mr Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, and was raised there and briefly in South Africa until he was seven years old, when his family moved to New York. His mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker and his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an anthropology professor at Columbia University. He went to a public school and attended the Bronx High School of Science, before receiving a degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College, where he co-started the school's first Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. He became naturalised as an American citizen in 2018, and worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counsellor. He says that job, which saw him help low-income homeowners of colour across Queens fight off eviction and stay in their homes, inspired him to run for office. But he also took a detour in the 2010s into the rapping scene, going by Young Cardamom and later as Mr Cardamom. He made a song called #1 Spice with the artist HAB for the 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe, which was directed by his mother, while another song, Nani - a tribute to his grandmother - was released in 2019. He was elected to the State Assembly in 2020, representing a district in Queens, becoming the first South Asian man to serve in the NYS Assembly as well as the first Ugandan and third Muslim to ever be a member of the body. How did Mamdani become a candidate for mayor? The lawmaker and democratic socialist entered the campaign as a virtual unknown, but his shrewd campaigning mixed with controversy surrounding Mr Cuomo saw him win comfortably. The former governor was attempting to make a comeback from a sexual harassment scandal that saw him resign in 2021. His resignation came after a report from the state attorney general concluded that he had sexually harassed at least 11 women. Mr Cuomo has said he did not intentionally mistreat the women but had run afoul of what was considered appropriate workplace conduct. Despite the controversy, the 67-year-old had long been the favourite during the mayoral race due to his deep experience and the fact he won the backing of some of the city's biggest unions. But Mr Mamdani and other candidates continued to use the allegations against Mr Cuomo as fuel during the campaign. During the final primary debate, after Mr Cuomo and other candidates launched a series of jabs at him for his lack of political experience, Mr Mamdani said: "To Mr Cuomo: I have never had to resign in disgrace. "I have never hounded the 13 women who credibly accused me of sexual harassment, I have never sued for their gynaecological records, and I have never done those things because I am not you, Mr Cuomo." Mr Mamdani declared victory in the mayoral primary on 24 June, with Mr Cuomo conceding the race after his rival took a commanding position just hours after polls closed. The winner told the state: "I will be the mayor for every New Yorker, whether you voted for me, for Governor Cuomo, or felt too disillusioned by a long-broken political system to vote at all. "I will work to be a mayor you will be proud to call your own." In the November election he will face current mayor Eric Adams, a democrat who is set to run as an independent following an uproar over his indictment on corruption charges last year. An energetic campaign with people at its heart Mr Mamdani put cost of living concerns at the heart of his campaign. Slickly produced social media videos set out his vision of free buses, free childcare, new apartments and a higher minimum wage - paid for by new taxes on the rich. They have garnered him a following of more than 1.1 million on Instagram and around 400,000 on TikTok. His optimistic vision of NYC's future contrasted with Mr Cuomo's campaign, which largely focused on his experience and his ability to deal with Donald Trump, as well as his goal to save a city that he described as out of control with crime and homelessness. It earned Mr Mamdani the support of the party's progressive wing, including prominent progressives like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders. Critics have argued that he lacks the experience to handle crises, with Mr Cuomo claiming he was unqualified during the campaign. "He's been in government 27 minutes. He's passed three bills. That's all he's done," Mr Cuomo said of his rival during a debate. When another candidate questioned his experience, Mr Mamdani said he was the most qualified "because I believe the most pressing crisis we're facing here is one of affordability, and that is something that my campaign has been laser-focused on". His critics have also suggested his hopeful visions are vague, and questioned the cost and feasibility of his proposals, many of which would need support from the state legislature and governor. His campaign aimed to stay accessible. At the top of the manifesto on his campaign site, a sentence in bold reads: "New York is too expensive. Zohran will lower costs and make life easier." Strong support for Palestinians Mr Mamdani has made his stance on the war in Gaza clear throughout his campaign, referring to Israel's offensive as a "genocide" against Palestinians and voicing support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. He has also vowed to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he were to come to the city, after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him last year. Asked during a debate about whether he thought Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state, he said "I believe Israel has the right to exist" but "as a state with equal rights" for people who aren't Jewish. On 19 June, police said Mr Mamdani had reported he had received "four phone voicemails, on various dates, making threatening anti-Muslim statements by an unknown individual".
Arab News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Who is Zohran Mamdani? State lawmaker seeks to become NYC's first Muslim and Indian American mayor
NEW YORK: When he announced his run for mayor back in October, Zohran Mamdani was a state lawmaker unknown to most New York City residents. On Tuesday evening, the 33-year-old marked his stunning political ascension when he declared victory in the Democratic primary from a Queens rooftop bar after former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded. While the race's ultimate outcome has yet to be confirmed by a ranked choice count scheduled for July 1, here's a look at the one-time rapper seeking to become the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor, and its youngest mayor in generations. Mamdani's mother is a famous filmmaker Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents and became an American citizen in 2018, shortly after graduating college. He lived with his family briefly in Cape Town, South Africa, before moving to New York City when he was 7. Mamdani's mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker whose credits include 'Monsoon Wedding,' 'The Namesake' and 'Mississippi Masala.' His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an anthropology professor at Columbia University. Mamdani married Rama Duwaji, a Syrian American artist, earlier this year. The couple, who met on the dating app Hinge, live in the Astoria section of Queens. Mamdani was once a fledgling rapper Mamdani attended the Bronx High School of Science, where he cofounded the public school's first cricket team, according to his legislative bio. He graduated in 2014 from Bowdoin College in Maine, where he earned a degree in Africana studies and cofounded his college's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. After college, he worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens helping residents avoid eviction, the job he says inspired him to run for public office. Mamdani also had a notable side hustle in the local hip hop scene, rapping under the moniker Young Cardamom and later Mr. Cardamom. During his first run for state lawmaker, Mamdani gave a nod to his brief foray into music, describing himself as a 'B-list rapper.' 'Nani,' a song he made in 2019 to honor his grandmother, even found new life — and a vastly wider audience — as his mayoral campaign gained momentum. His critics, meanwhile, have seized on lyrics from 'Salaam,' his 2017 ode to being Muslim in New York, to argue his views are too extreme for New Yorkers. Early political career Mamdani cut his teeth in local politics working on campaigns for Democratic candidates in Queens and Brooklyn. He was first elected to the New York Assembly in 2020, knocking off a longtime Democratic incumbent for a Queens district covering Astoria and surrounding neighborhoods. He has handily won reelection twice. The Democratic Socialist's most notable legislative accomplishment has been pushing through a pilot program that made a handful of city buses free for a year. He's also proposed legislation banning nonprofits from 'engaging in unauthorized support of Israeli settlement activity.' Mamdani's opponents, particularly Cuomo, have dismissed him as woefully unprepared for managing the complexities of running America's largest city. But Mamdani has framed his relative inexperience as a potential asset, saying in a mayoral debate he's 'proud' he doesn't have Cuomo's 'experience of corruption, scandal and disgrace.' Viral campaign videos Mamdani has used buzzy campaign videos — many with winking references to Bollywood and his Indian heritage — to help make inroads with voters outside his slice of Queens. On New York's Day, he took part in the annual polar plunge into the chilly waters off Coney Island in a full dress suit to break down his plan to 'freeze' rents. As the race was entering the final stretch, Mamdani walked the length of Manhattan, documenting the roughly 13-mile trip by posting photos and videos of his interactions along the way. In TikTok videos, he's even appealed to voters of color by speaking in Spanish, Bangla and other languages. Progressive promises Mamdani has offered a more optimistic vision, in contrast to candidates like Cuomo, who have largely focused on crime and law and order issues. His campaign has been packed with big promises aimed at lowering the cost of living for everyday New Yorkers, from free child care, free buses, a rent freeze for people living in rent-regulated apartments and new affordable housing — much of it by raising taxes on the wealthy. The big promises have, unsurprisingly, endeared him to the Democratic Party's liberal wing. Mamdani secured endorsements from two of the country's foremost progressives, US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York, and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Pro-Palestinian views Mamdani's outspoken support for Palestinian causes was a point of tension in the mayor's race as Cuomo and other opponents sought to label his defiant criticism of Israel as antisemitic. The Shia Muslim has called Israel's military campaign in Gaza a 'genocide' and said the country should exist as 'a state with equal rights,' rather than a 'Jewish state.' That message has resonated among pro-Palestinian residents, including the city's roughly 800,000 adherents of Islam — the largest Muslim community in the country. During an interview on CBS's 'The Late Show' on the eve of the election, host Stephen Colbert asked Mamdani if he believed the state of Israel had the right to exist. He responded: 'Yes, like all nations, I believe it has a right to exist — and a responsibility also to uphold international law.' Mamdani's refusal to condemn calls to 'globalize the intifada' on a podcast — a common chant at pro-Palestinian protests — drew recriminations from Jewish groups and fellow candidates in the days leading up to the election. In his victory speech Tuesday, he pledged to work closely with those who don't share his views on controversial issues. 'While I will not abandon my beliefs or my commitments, grounded in a demand for equality, for humanity, for all those who walk this earth, you have my word to reach further, to understand the perspectives of those with whom I disagree, and to wrestle deeply with those disagreements,' Mamdani said.
