Srinagar: Indian origin Democrat Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday assumed office as the Mayor of New York City, becoming the first Muslim to lead the largest city in the United States. Mamdani placed his hand on the Holy Quran while taking the oath, marking a historic first for the city.
The swearing in ceremony was held at the old City Hall subway station in Manhattan and was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The location is among the city’s earliest subway sites. Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, held the Quran during the oath.
Describing the moment as the honour of a lifetime, Mamdani said leading New York carries immense responsibility. A second public oath ceremony will take place at City Hall later in the day and will be administered by US Senator Bernie Sanders. A public gathering on Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes is also scheduled.
At 34, Mamdani is one of the youngest mayors in New York’s history. He is also the city’s first mayor of South Asian origin and the first born in Africa. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani. His family moved to New York when he was seven. He became a US citizen in 2018.
Mamdani earlier served as a state Assembly member from Queens. His campaign focused on affordability and proposed measures such as free childcare, free bus services, a rent freeze for around one million households, and city run grocery stores.
He takes office as New York continues its recovery from the pandemic, even as high prices and rising rents remain key concerns for residents.
