Journalism of Courage
New York City’s mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani criticised PM Narendra Modi during a Diwali outreach programme for Hindu-American voters while he visited temples across Queens, saying that he grew up with a vision of India that was pluralistic.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Mamdani can be heard saying, “So, I have been critical of Mr. Modi because of the vision that I grew up with was of an India that was pluralistic, an India where everyone belonged, no matter their religion.”
The New York’s mayoral candidate further added, “And my critique has been of Mr. Modi and the BJP political party for their vision of an India that only has room for certain kinds of Indians, and it’s part of a belief that pluralism is something to be celebrated, something to be strived for.”
During his outreach to the Hindu-American community ahead of the New York City’s mayoral election, Mamdani said there would be many people who would feel differently about PM Modi than what he thinks but he stated that “It’s their right, I would look to represent all the same because my responsibility is to them as New Yorkers to ensure that they are safe.”
In a post on X, Mamdani wrote, “Last night I visited four temples across Queens to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights, ending at Maharaja Sweets in Jackson Heights, where we gave out six kinds of delicious treats alongside some very special guests. Happy Diwali, NYC!”
The New York mayoral election is scheduled to take place on November 4.
