Zohran Mamdani, NYC mayoral candidate criticises PM Modi at Diwali event

While visiting temples in Queens as part of a Diwali outreach drive for Hindu-American voters, Zohran Mamdani, the mayoral candidate for New York City, attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he was raised with a pluralistic view of India.

Mamdani said that his criticism of PM Modi and his party, the BJP, has been that their vision of India "only has room for certain kinds of Indians," while sharing photos of his trip to four temples throughout Queens to celebrate the festival of lights.

Mamdani is heard saying in a video that has now gone viral on social media, “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 Indian Express reported that the New York 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.”

While addressing members of the Hindu-American community ahead of the New York City mayoral election, Mamdani acknowledged that opinions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi might vary within the community. He reportedly said that people were entitled to hold their own views, adding that his duty as a representative was to serve all New Yorkers equally and to focus on ensuring their safety.

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 election for mayor of New York is set for November 4.