The United Nations, which is headquartered in New York, was closed on Monday due to the storm, while Mayor Mamdani declared a state of emergency in the city.

US northeast paralyzed by historic Nor’easter; Mayor Mamdani declares blizzard emergency in New York

After Zohran Mamdani took New York and the Indian diaspora worldwide by storm with his mayoral campaign and eventual victory, another Indian-origin politician is gearing up for a mayoral race. This time, the battleground is Los Angeles and the contender is Nithya Raman.


Los Angeles to Get Indian-origin Mayor? Nithya Raman's Fight Draws Comparisons With Zohran Mamdani

<p>A series of viral images circulating on social media this week falsely purport to show New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a child alongside his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, in the company of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The images started spreading on Monday (February 2), on X, after the Justice Department released a new batch of Epstein-related documents on Friday. Although widely shared, the visuals are not authentic. They were generated using artificial intelligence and are clearly labeled with digital watermarks indicating AI involvement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The images trace back to an X account that openly identifies itself as a parody page and describes its content as AI-generated memes and visuals. Several inconsistencies further undermine the credibility of the photos. One fabricated image shows Mamdani and Nair standing in the foreground of a nighttime street scene alongside Epstein, Maxwell, former President Bill Clinton, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Mamdani appears to be a pre-teen. Another AI-generated scene places a similar group in a tropical environment, with Epstein holding Clinton and Maxwell standing beside a younger-looking Mamdani.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lauren-sanchezthree-letters-in-a-week-multiple-emails-countless-internet-posts-all-unanswered-why-jeff-bezos-is-silent-on-washington-post-layoffs-1770129791939"><strong>Three letters in a week, multiple emails, countless internet posts - all unanswered. Why Jeff Bezos is silent on Washington Post layoffs?</strong></a></p><p><br>Additional images show Mamdani as an infant in Nair’s arms while posing with Epstein, Maxwell, Clinton, and Bezos. Importantly, none of Epstein’s victims have accused Clinton, Gates, or Bezos of involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. Google’s Gemini platform confirmed that all of the images contain SynthID, a digital watermark used to flag AI-generated or AI-modified content, indicating they were created or altered by Google’s AI tools.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The account responsible for posting the images did not respond to media inquiries, but appeared to acknowledge its role in a follow-up post. “I purposely made him a baby, which would technically make this pic 34 years old,” the account wrote, suggesting the images were intentionally fabricated. The false visuals surfaced shortly after reports about a 2009 film afterparty held at Maxwell’s townhouse, referenced in an email from publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein. The email mentioned several well-known figures, including Clinton, Bezos, and Nair. However, Mamdani was 18 years old in 2009, contradicting depictions of him as a baby or young child in the images.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vs-china-us-hosts-mineral-meet-to-challenge-china-s-dominance-in-critical-minerals-1770123946505/embed"><strong>https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vs-china-us-hosts-mineral-meet-to-challenge-china-s-dominance-in-critical-minerals-1770123946505/embed</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The spread of the AI images has fueled additional misinformation online, including an unfounded claim that Epstein was Mamdani’s father. In reality, Mamdani’s father is Mahmood Mamdani, a respected anthropology professor at Columbia University.</p><p>The New York City Mayor’s Ooffice declined to comment on the matter.</p>

Epstein Files: Are the viral photos linking Zohran Mamdani to Jeffrey Epstein real? Here's what we know

A series of viral images circulating on social media this week falsely purport to show New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a child alongside his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, in the company of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The images started spreading on Monday (February 2), on X, after the Justice Department released a new batch of Epstein-related documents on Friday. Although widely shared, the visuals are not authentic. They were generated using artificial intelligence and are clearly labeled with digital watermarks indicating AI involvement. The images trace back to an X account that openly identifies itself as a parody page and describes its content as AI-generated memes and visuals. Several inconsistencies further undermine the credibility of the photos. One fabricated image shows Mamdani and Nair standing in the foreground of a nighttime street scene alongside Epstein, Maxwell, former President Bill Clinton, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Mamdani appears to be a pre-teen. Another AI-generated scene places a similar group in a tropical environment, with Epstein holding Clinton and Maxwell standing beside a younger-looking Mamdani. Also Read: Three letters in a week, multiple emails, countless internet posts - all unanswered. Why Jeff Bezos is silent on Washington Post layoffs? Additional images show Mamdani as an infant in Nair’s arms while posing with Epstein, Maxwell, Clinton, and Bezos. Importantly, none of Epstein’s victims have accused Clinton, Gates, or Bezos of involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. Google’s Gemini platform confirmed that all of the images contain SynthID, a digital watermark used to flag AI-generated or AI-modified content, indicating they were created or altered by Google’s AI tools. The account responsible for posting the images did not respond to media inquiries, but appeared to acknowledge its role in a follow-up post. “I purposely made him a baby, which would technically make this pic 34 years old,” the account wrote, suggesting the images were intentionally fabricated. The false visuals surfaced shortly after reports about a 2009 film afterparty held at Maxwell’s townhouse, referenced in an email from publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein. The email mentioned several well-known figures, including Clinton, Bezos, and Nair. However, Mamdani was 18 years old in 2009, contradicting depictions of him as a baby or young child in the images. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vs-china-us-hosts-mineral-meet-to-challenge-china-s-dominance-in-critical-minerals-1770123946505/embed The spread of the AI images has fueled additional misinformation online, including an unfounded claim that Epstein was Mamdani’s father. In reality, Mamdani’s father is Mahmood Mamdani, a respected anthropology professor at Columbia University. The New York City Mayor’s Ooffice declined to comment on the matter.

<p>AI-generated images falsely linking New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his mother, Mira Nair, to Jeffrey Epstein were widely shared online despite clear AI watermarks</p>

<p>New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced massive protest by his supporters after his mother and filmmaker Mira Nair's name surfaced in the latest cache of Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). A video that is doing rounds on social media shows some of his supporters heckling him outside his official residence, Gracie Mansion. Protesters were seen &nbsp;shouting “shame” and "you lied to us", adding that they supported him but was betrayed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We know about your mom. Now listen. We was with you, Zohran. We voted for you, Zohran. We advocated for you, Zohran. We advocated for you," they shouted, adding, “You ain’t getting nothing, get up in here and you lie to us. You lied, Zohran. Shame, Zohran!"</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 BREAKING: New Yorkers are developing buyer&#39;s remorse for Zohran Mamdani, spotted HECKLING him and yelling &quot;SHAME!&quot; after basically nothing is going according to plan<br><br>&quot;We advocated for you, we voted for you! You get up in here and lie to us!&quot; 😂😂<a href="https://t.co/qCKLhXx96T">pic.twitter.com/qCKLhXx96T</a></p>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2018095224384287088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-admits-he-s-a-criminal-sheds-light-on-his-dirty-money-in-new-video-tier-1-sexual-predator-1770011423088"><strong>'Tier 1 sexual predator': Epstein admits he's a 'criminal', sheds light on his 'dirty money' in new video</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-mandelson-mentioned-in-the-latest-cache-of-epstein-files-1770025844050/embed"><strong>https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-mandelson-mentioned-in-the-latest-cache-of-epstein-files-1770025844050/embed</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><h2>Mira Nair's name in Epstein Files</h2><p>One of the email dated October 21, 2009 from American publicist Peggy Siegal read: “Just left Ghislaine’s townhouse after party for film. Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair etc. Film received tepid reaction although women like it much more Hillary Swank and Gere at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportwear department very weird." “Studio went for free party from store and windows for a month Going to be in Wall Street 2 tomorrow. more to come. xoxo Peg," it added. The film in the said email is speculated to be Nair’s 2009 movie Amelia, starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere. The email, thus, indicated that Nair attended an “after party” for a film screening, hosted by Epstein, alongside Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos. Notably, Epstein was convicted in 2008.</p><h2><strong>What are Epstein Files and what we know about the latest release</strong></h2><p>The fresh cache of three million Epstein documents released by Department of Justice (DOJ) on January 30, contains name of former Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Howard Lutnick, Elon Musk, Mira Nair, among others. Nearly 2.5 million pages remain unreleased. The term “Epstein files” refers to a collection of legal documents, court records, and investigative materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier convicted of operating a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. It also includes transcripts of interviews with victims and witnesses and details of his flight logs. In November, US President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Bill after Congress' approval, and made it a federal law that mandates the DOJ to release all unclassified Epstein documents.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-never-been-on-creepy-island-lolita-express-musk-denies-links-with-epstein-despite-release-of-wildest-party-email-1769998435547"><strong>'Never been on creepy island, Lolita Express': Musk denies links with Epstein despite release of 'wildest party' email</strong></a></p>

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced protests outside Gracie Mansion after his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, was named in newly released Epstein-related emails. The disclosure linked Nair to a 2009 event hosted by Ghislaine Maxwell, triggering backlash from some of Mamdani’s supporters.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced massive protest by his supporters after his mother and filmmaker Mira Nair's name surfaced in the latest cache of Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). A video that is doing rounds on social media shows some of his supporters heckling him outside his official residence, Gracie Mansion. Protesters were seen shouting “shame” and "you lied to us", adding that they supported him but was betrayed. "We know about your mom. Now listen. We was with you, Zohran. We voted for you, Zohran. We advocated for you, Zohran. We advocated for you," they shouted, adding, “You ain’t getting nothing, get up in here and you lie to us. You lied, Zohran. Shame, Zohran!"

<p>New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced protests outside Gracie Mansion after his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, was named in newly released Epstein-related emails. The disclosure linked Nair to a 2009 event hosted by Ghislaine Maxwell, triggering backlash from some of Mamdani’s supporters</p>

'You lie to us': Zohran Mamdani faces massive protest after Mira Nair's name appears on Epstein email

A fresh release of documents linked to the investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has put several powerful names back into the spotlight. Let's have a look.


Trump, Musk, Gates and more: Big names mentioned in DOJ's latest Epstein files release | In pictures

<p>Zohran Mamdani insists that his administration will tax the rich, as promised. Just three weeks into the job, the New York mayor is already picking a fight with Albany. On Wednesday (Jan 21), he brushed aside Governor Kathy Hochul's newly released state budget, which came without any raise in income taxes, and said that it was time for NYC's "wealthiest residents to pay their fair share"</p><h2><strong>"Tax the rich"</strong></h2><p>"Our administration is preparing to make the case that it is the time for New York's most profitable corporations and wealthiest residents to pay their fair share," Mamdani told reporters at the Whitney Museum in Manhattan.</p><p>This statement comes just a day after Hochul rolled out a $260 billion budget for New York, one of the largest in the state's history, as she heads into a tough election year with pressure coming from all sides.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-key-takeaways-from-donald-trump-s-angry-greenland-obsessed-speech-nato-and-ungrateful-europe-1769040847782"><strong>Davos 2026: Key takeaways from Trump's angry, Greenland-obsessed speech</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Not enough for City Hall</strong></h2><p>Hochul's plan includes a major expansion of universal pre k, something Mamdani has long backed. Still, it was not enough to soften his stance. The mayor argued that New York City sends far more money to Albany than it gets back.</p><p>The city, he said, generates 54.5 per cent of the state's tax revenue but receives only 40.5 per cent in return. Any tax hike for the city would need approval from the state legislature.</p><p>"What we are looking to do is to tackle long-standing fiscal issues that both have to do with the need for more revenue from the highest earners, but also the relationship between City Hall and Albany, " Mamdani said, pointing to both the need for more revenue from top earners.</p><p>Hochul, for her part, has not ruled out tax hikes forever. But her budget director, Blake Washington, made her position clear this week. "She thinks it’s a last resort to raise taxes on anybody at any time," he said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-gulf-of-trump-had-a-good-ring-trump-reveals-wild-renaming-plan-for-gulf-of-mexico-says-he-feared-getting-killed-1768979268262"><strong>'Gulf of Trump had a good ring': Trump reveals wild renaming plan for 'Gulf of Mexico,' says he feared getting killed</strong></a></p><h2><strong>A deficit and a target</strong></h2><p>Mamdani inherited a problem. A $12.6 billion budget deficit is projected over the next two fiscal years, reports the New York Post. On Wednesday, he pinned the deficit's blame squarely on his predecessor, former Mayor Eric Adams. However, he insisted that the state was on steady ground.</p><p>"I think that it’s actually the governor’s fiscal stewardship, I think it’s also the strength of our city’s tax base, that the state is on firm financial footing," he said. "The issue, however, is that the city is not, and that is a result, a direct result of Eric Adams’s gross fiscal mismanagement," he added.</p><h2><strong>Political pressure on Hochul</strong></h2><p>The standoff puts Hochul in a bind. She is already facing a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, who is running to her left. Republicans in the suburbs, including Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, are using Mamdani's rhetoric to paint her as captive to the party’s liberal wing.</p><p>Despite Mamdani's push, city finances are not collapsing. Comptroller Mark Levine reported that tax revenue rose 7 per cent in the last fiscal year.</p><p>"This wasn't caused by a bad economy," he said. "It’s the result of budgeting decisions from the previous administration that we must now deal with."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani clashed with Governor Kathy Hochul after she released a tax-hike-free state budget. He says the city’s richest residents and corporations must pay more to plug a $12.6 billion deficit, blaming former mayor Eric Adams for it.

Zohran Mamdani insists that his administration will tax the rich, as promised. Just three weeks into the job, the New York mayor is already picking a fight with Albany. On Wednesday (Jan 21), he brushed aside Governor Kathy Hochul's newly released state budget, which came without any raise in income taxes, and said that it was time for NYC's "wealthiest residents to pay their fair share" "Tax the rich" "Our administration is preparing to make the case that it is the time for New York's most profitable corporations and wealthiest residents to pay their fair share," Mamdani told reporters at the Whitney Museum in Manhattan. This statement comes just a day after Hochul rolled out a $260 billion budget for New York, one of the largest in the state's history, as she heads into a tough election year with pressure coming from all sides. Also read | Davos 2026: Key takeaways from Trump's angry, Greenland-obsessed speech Not enough for City Hall Hochul's plan includes a major expansion of universal pre k, something Mamdani has long backed. Still, it was not enough to soften his stance. The mayor argued that New York City sends far more money to Albany than it gets back. The city, he said, generates 54.5 per cent of the state's tax revenue but receives only 40.5 per cent in return. Any tax hike for the city would need approval from the state legislature. "What we are looking to do is to tackle long-standing fiscal issues that both have to do with the need for more revenue from the highest earners, but also the relationship between City Hall and Albany, " Mamdani said, pointing to both the need for more revenue from top earners. Hochul, for her part, has not ruled out tax hikes forever. But her budget director, Blake Washington, made her position clear this week. "She thinks it’s a last resort to raise taxes on anybody at any time," he said. Also read | 'Gulf of Trump had a good ring': Trump reveals wild renaming plan for 'Gulf of Mexico,' says he feared getting killed A deficit and a target Mamdani inherited a problem. A $12.6 billion budget deficit is projected over the next two fiscal years, reports the New York Post. On Wednesday, he pinned the deficit's blame squarely on his predecessor, former Mayor Eric Adams. However, he insisted that the state was on steady ground. "I think that it’s actually the governor’s fiscal stewardship, I think it’s also the strength of our city’s tax base, that the state is on firm financial footing," he said. "The issue, however, is that the city is not, and that is a result, a direct result of Eric Adams’s gross fiscal mismanagement," he added. Political pressure on Hochul The standoff puts Hochul in a bind. She is already facing a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, who is running to her left. Republicans in the suburbs, including Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, are using Mamdani's rhetoric to paint her as captive to the party’s liberal wing. Despite Mamdani's push, city finances are not collapsing. Comptroller Mark Levine reported that tax revenue rose 7 per cent in the last fiscal year. "This wasn't caused by a bad economy," he said. "It’s the result of budgeting decisions from the previous administration that we must now deal with."

<p>New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani clashed with Governor Kathy Hochul after she released a tax-hike-free state budget. He says the city’s richest residents and corporations must pay more to plug a $12.6 billion deficit, blaming former mayor Eric Adams for it.</p>

‘Tax the rich’: Zohran Mamdani takes on Kathy Hochul a day after $260 billion New York budget unveiling

<p>Thousands of nurses across three major hospital networks in New York City walked off the job on Monday (January 12) after contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement before the deadline. The labour action is being described by local outlets as one of the largest nursing strikes the city has ever seen. The strike affects Mount Sinai Hospital along with two of its affiliated campuses, as well as New York-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Demonstrators were seen gathering outside hospital facilities, forming picket lines as the strike officially started. The New York State Nurses Association says close to 15,000 nurses are participating. Union leaders say their demands center on better wages and improved staffing and safety conditions. The nurses’ previous contract expired at the end of December. The walkout comes at a particularly difficult time, coinciding with flu season. Hospitals may be forced to delay procedures, transfer patients, or reroute ambulances, potentially increasing pressure on nearby facilities not involved in the dispute.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/german-chancellor-merz-s-india-visit-focus-on-economic-strategic-and-people-to-people-ties-see-in-pics-1768230252432"><strong>German Chancellor Merz's India visit focus on economic, strategic, and people-to-people ties. See in pics</strong></a></p><h2>See Zohran Mamdani's post here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The safety and wellbeing of this city is my top priority and ensuring New Yorkers have the care they need is critical, especially during flu season.<br><br>The city&#39;s Emergency Management team, FDNY, health department, public hospital system, and my senior leadership team are in…</p>&mdash; Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/2010532423994364346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced support for the nurses, emphasising that access to healthcare should not be compromised and that medical workers deserve fair compensation and respect for their critical role, especially after carrying the city through recent crises. The mayor wrote on X, “The safety and well-being of this city is my top priority, and ensuring New Yorkers have the care they need is critical, especially&nbsp;during flu season. No New Yorker should have to fear losing access to health care — and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits, or less dignity for doing lifesaving work. Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable.”&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fed-chair-powell-receives-grand-jury-subpoenas-from-doj-1768233089970/embed"><strong>https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fed-chair-powell-receives-grand-jury-subpoenas-from-doj-1768233089970/embed</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To manage staffing shortages, affected hospitals have brought in temporary nurses. Hospital representatives stated they are taking all necessary steps to reduce service disruptions while negotiations continue. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, warning that prolonged labour action could put patient safety at risk and impact thousands of New Yorkers.</p>

In New York, nearly 15,000 nurses go on strike over contract dispute; Zohran Mamdani says, 'no nurse should be asked to accept less pay'

Thousands of nurses across three major hospital networks in New York City walked off the job on Monday (January 12) after contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement before the deadline. The labour action is being described by local outlets as one of the largest nursing strikes the city has ever seen. The strike affects Mount Sinai Hospital along with two of its affiliated campuses, as well as New York-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Demonstrators were seen gathering outside hospital facilities, forming picket lines as the strike officially started. The New York State Nurses Association says close to 15,000 nurses are participating. Union leaders say their demands center on better wages and improved staffing and safety conditions. The nurses’ previous contract expired at the end of December. The walkout comes at a particularly difficult time, coinciding with flu season. Hospitals may be forced to delay procedures, transfer patients, or reroute ambulances, potentially increasing pressure on nearby facilities not involved in the dispute. Also Read: German Chancellor Merz's India visit focus on economic, strategic, and people-to-people ties. See in pics See Zohran Mamdani's post here

<p>Nearly 15,000 nurses went on strike across major NYC hospitals after contract talks failed, raising concerns over patient care during flu season</p>

<p>New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has found himself in controversy at the beginning of his mayoral term. Following his decision to revoke the restriction against the protest outside the Synagogue, there had been protests outside a local synagogue to oppose Mortgage Israel and Tivuch Shelly's Israel Real Estate Event, where “we support Hamas” was chanted. Mamdani condemned the protest with a social media post. “Chants in support of a terrorist organisation have no place in our city,” Mamdani wrote over a picture of a NYT headline.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As I said earlier today, chants in support of a terrorist organization have no place in our city. We will continue to ensure New Yorkers’ safety entering and exiting houses of worship as well as the constitutional right to protest. <a href="https://t.co/0J4GXWigiv">pic.twitter.com/0J4GXWigiv</a></p>&mdash; Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/2009768025260437806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-army-protect-infrastructure-protests-irgc-red-line-1768044383912"><strong>Iran’s army, Revolutionary Guards declare security a ‘red line’ as protests grow after US backs demonstrators</strong></a></p><p>Mamdani said that he would want to continue to ensure the safety of the New Yorkers at the places of worship, at the same time protect the constitutional right to protest. The protest was carried out by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation. The videos were widely circulated, protesters yelling out, “Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here.</p><p>This comes after Mamdani made several decisions on his first day as Mayor, which were considered controversial. These include revoking the ban on Boycott Divestment and Sanctions Protest, revoking the IHRA antisemitism definition, and revoking the ban on protests outside synagogues.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Activists protested outside a synagogue, chanting, “Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here.”<br><br>Whatever the amnesia surrounding 10/7, the truth must never be forgotten: Hamas murdered, maimed, mutilated, raped, and tortured thousands of innocent Israelis. It is—and has… <a href="https://t.co/JeGh1XzA2A">pic.twitter.com/JeGh1XzA2A</a></p>&mdash; Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/RitchieTorres/status/2009458688122089505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/x-changes-iran-flag-emoji-lion-and-sun-symbol-protests-1768028484625"><strong>Why X changed Iran’s flag emoji to the lion and sun as protests intensify</strong></a></p><p>While Mamdani faced criticism, many called his response a muted one. “Still waiting on condemnation of support for Hamas at a protest in a Jewish neighbourhood from @NYCMayor,” said Sam Berger is a Democratic New York State Assemblymember.&nbsp;</p><p>Mamdani commented to a POLITICO reporter, “That language is wrong. I think that language has no place in New York City.” Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul all condemned the act, highlighting that Hamas is a terrorist organisation within the city.&nbsp;</p><p>“...marching into a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood and leading with a chant saying ‘we support Hamas’ is a disgusting and antisemitic thing to do,” said US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned chants supporting Hamas during a protest outside a synagogue, amid criticism over his response and policy rollbacks.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has found himself in controversy at the beginning of his mayoral term. Following his decision to revoke the restriction against the protest outside the Synagogue, there had been protests outside a local synagogue to oppose Mortgage Israel and Tivuch Shelly's Israel Real Estate Event, where “we support Hamas” was chanted. Mamdani condemned the protest with a social media post. “Chants in support of a terrorist organisation have no place in our city,” Mamdani wrote over a picture of a NYT headline.

<p>NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned chants supporting Hamas during a protest outside a synagogue, amid criticism over his response and policy rollbacks.</p>

Mamdani condemns ‘We support Hamas’ chants at NYC protest

<p>In a firm response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's letter to jailed Umar Khalid, who is accused of conspiracy to incite the 2020 Delhi riots, India on Friday said that public representatives should respect the independence of the judiciary in other democracies and added that Mamdani should focus on the work entrusted to him instead of making such comments about judicial matters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of the judiciary in other democracies. Expressing personal prejudices does not behove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal in a press briefing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These remarks come after Banojyotsana Lahiri, a friend of Umar Khalid, shared a photograph of the note written by Mamdani on the day he got ceremonially sworn in as Mayor of New York.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-temporarily-leave-kyiv-mayor-urges-residents-after-russia-hits-ukraine-with-oreshnik-missile-1767958024378"><strong>'Temporarily leave Kyiv': Mayor urges residents after Russia hits Ukraine with Oreshnik missile</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the short handwritten note addressed to Khalid, Mamdani said, “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The message was handed to Khalid's parents during their visit to the United States in December 2025 by Mamdani himself.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On January 5, the Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riot case, observing that the two stand on a "qualitatively different footing" in terms of prosecution and evidence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The apex court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, noting that their culpability, if any, appeared to be limited in nature. However, it declined to extend similar relief to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.</p>

In the short handwritten note addressed to Khalid, Mamdani said, “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you."



In a firm response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's letter to jailed Umar Khalid, who is accused of conspiracy to incite the 2020 Delhi riots, India on Friday said that public representatives should respect the independence of the judiciary in other democracies and added that Mamdani should focus on the work entrusted to him instead of making such comments about judicial matters. “We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of the judiciary in other democracies. Expressing personal prejudices does not behove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal in a press briefing. These remarks come after Banojyotsana Lahiri, a friend of Umar Khalid, shared a photograph of the note written by Mamdani on the day he got ceremonially sworn in as Mayor of New York. Also Read: 'Temporarily leave Kyiv': Mayor urges residents after Russia hits Ukraine with Oreshnik missile In the short handwritten note addressed to Khalid, Mamdani said, “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you." The message was handed to Khalid's parents during their visit to the United States in December 2025 by Mamdani himself. On January 5, the Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riot case, observing that the two stand on a "qualitatively different footing" in terms of prosecution and evidence. The apex court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, noting that their culpability, if any, appeared to be limited in nature. However, it declined to extend similar relief to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.

<p>In the short handwritten note addressed to Khalid, Mamdani said, “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you."</p>

Mamdani should focus on his responsibilities: India on New York governor’s comments on Umar Khalid

Zohran Mamdani took his mayoral oath using three Qurans—two family heirlooms and a historic manuscript – symbolising faith, heritage and New York’s diversity. The US Constitution does not require any religious text.

In Pics | Why did Mamdani use 3 Qurans to take oath? All about religious texts

<p>Israel on Friday (Jan 2) accused New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, of "antisemitism" after he moved swiftly to undo two executive orders issued by his predecessor that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and expanded how antisemitism was defined. In a sharply worded post on X on Friday, Israel’s foreign ministry said Mamdani had shown his "true face" on his first day in office by scrapping the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifting limits on boycotts of Israel.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/donald-trump-ends-2025-with-hateful-late-night-truth-social-tirade-tells-rivals-to-rot-in-hell-in-ny26-1767235319298"><strong>Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Mamdani's 'true face'?</strong></h2><p>On X, the Israeli foreign ministry said that Zohran Mamdani's move wasn't "leadership" but "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire."</p><p>Mamdani signed the orders just hours after being sworn in at City Hall on Thursday, reversing directives put in place by former mayor Eric Adams. Those directives had discouraged city agencies from engaging in boycotts of Israel and treated certain criticism of the Israeli state as antisemitic.</p><p>"On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-bharat-s-future-under-unimaginable-threat-baloch-leader-warns-india-about-chinese-troops-in-pakistan-s-balochistan-1767336398462"><strong>'Bharat's future': Baloch leader warns India about 'unimaginable' Pakistan threat flags China troops in Balochistan</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Mamdani claps back</strong></h2><p>Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mamdani defended his decision, saying it reflected concerns raised by a range of Jewish groups in New York. He also noted that incoming mayors are routinely given the choice to keep, amend, or revoke existing executive orders. "What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," Mamdani said.</p>

Israel has accused New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he scrapped city orders limiting boycotts of Israel and dropped the IHRA definition. Here's what Benjamin Netanyahu's nation said.

Israel on Friday (Jan 2) accused New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, of "antisemitism" after he moved swiftly to undo two executive orders issued by his predecessor that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and expanded how antisemitism was defined. In a sharply worded post on X on Friday, Israel’s foreign ministry said Mamdani had shown his "true face" on his first day in office by scrapping the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifting limits on boycotts of Israel. Also read | Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26 Mamdani's 'true face'? On X, the Israeli foreign ministry said that Zohran Mamdani's move wasn't "leadership" but "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire." Mamdani signed the orders just hours after being sworn in at City Hall on Thursday, reversing directives put in place by former mayor Eric Adams. Those directives had discouraged city agencies from engaging in boycotts of Israel and treated certain criticism of the Israeli state as antisemitic. "On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X. Also read | 'Bharat's future': Baloch leader warns India about 'unimaginable' Pakistan threat flags China troops in Balochistan Mamdani claps back Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mamdani defended his decision, saying it reflected concerns raised by a range of Jewish groups in New York. He also noted that incoming mayors are routinely given the choice to keep, amend, or revoke existing executive orders. "What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," Mamdani said.

<p>Israel has accused New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he scrapped city orders limiting boycotts of Israel and dropped the IHRA definition. Here's what Benjamin Netanyahu's nation said.</p>

'Mamdani shows his true face': Israel accuses New York Mayor of antisemitism after IHRA policy rollback

<p>On Friday (Jan 2), Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York. The 34-year-old has been garnering attention since the very beginning, and music has played a pivotal role in his campaigns. And now, the famous New York subway station has taken centre stage as videos of him grooving to upbeat Punjabi music went viral. Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony ended with a power-packed performance by singer Babbulicious. The Toronto-based Punjabi artiste was seen singing his track ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’, and New York’s new mayor was singing as he greeted all the attendees with his wife, Rama Duwaji.</p>

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<p>The singer took to his social media account, “Thank you Mr Mayor, for having me perform at the inauguration.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW YORK VICH MUNDA RENDA!!!! 🗽🗽🗽🗽<br><br>Thank you Mr Mayor for having me perform at the inauguration <a href="https://twitter.com/ZohranKMamdani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zohrankmamdani</a> ❤️😎🙏 <a href="https://t.co/VfXT9WLXjW">pic.twitter.com/VfXT9WLXjW</a></p>&mdash; Babbu Beard (@babbulicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/babbulicious/status/2006840659769176305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Donald Trump has been critical of Mamdani in the past he had expressed his views about the Democratic Party candidate, Zohran Mamdani, who was then the front-runner in New York mayoral elections. US President thought the latter ‘will completely crush New York City’. White House press secretary Karoline Leavittin a briefing said Mamdani ‘pedals anti-semitism, praises pro-Hamas groups, wants Israel abolished and believes wealthy Americans should not exist’. After all the differences in opinion, Mamdani won and has taken over as the voice of NYC.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the interaction with the media, when asked if Trump wants the 33-year-old mayoral candidate deported as per his recent calls. Leavittresponded, "I haven't heard him say that. I haven't heard him call for that. But certainly he does not want this individual to be elected. I was just speaking to him about it and [Mamdani's] radical policies that will completely crush New York City, which is obviously a city that the president holds near and dear to his heart.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"But surely someone who holds these values and is quite literally a communist and condemns every value that makes this country great: common sense, law and order, low taxes, working hard, and earning your keep in this country. He's against all of that. And I think the president would find it difficult to work with someone like that, if he is elected. I'm sure you'll hear more from the president on that, but we'll have to see. Hopefully, the voters of New York City choose wisely,” Leavitt said when asked if Trump is willing to work with Mamdani if elected as the mayor of New York.</p>

The famous New York subway station has taken centre stage as videos of him grooving to upbeat Punjabi music went viral. Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony ended with a power-packed performance by singer Babbulicious. 

On Friday (Jan 2), Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York. The 34-year-old has been garnering attention since the very beginning, and music has played a pivotal role in his campaigns. And now, the famous New York subway station has taken centre stage as videos of him grooving to upbeat Punjabi music went viral. Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony ended with a power-packed performance by singer Babbulicious. The Toronto-based Punjabi artiste was seen singing his track ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’, and New York’s new mayor was singing as he greeted all the attendees with his wife, Rama Duwaji.

<p>The famous New York subway station has taken centre stage as videos of him grooving to upbeat Punjabi music went viral. Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony ended with a power-packed performance by singer Babbulicious.&nbsp;</p>

Zohran Mamdani grooves to Babbulicious' rager song after taking oath - Watch

<p>New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on his first day in office, has revoked executive orders of his predecessor Eric Adams that banned protests in front of synagogues, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement and the IHRA definition of anti semitism. This was one of the key poll promises of Mamdani's campaign. On January 1, 2026, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani took Mayoral responsibility of New York City, widely regarded as the financial capital of the world and the epitome of global capitalism.</p><p>The previous executive order was issued by Eric Adams on September 26, 2024, who was indicted for charges related to bribery, wire fraud and campaign finance offences. Among the revoked orders, the most controversial yet unexpected was the BDS movement, which advocates for economic/consumer, cultural, academic, boycott and divestment from any organisation, corporation that is complicit in Israeli occupation and urges economic sanctions against them. The movement's impact was accentuated by the ICJ, which found Israel guilty of apartheid against Palestinians and its military occupation and annexation of the Palestinian Territory as illegal.&nbsp;</p><p>Zohran Mamdani further revoked the ban on protests in front of synagogues, which directed the New York Police Department to reassess its handling of protests at houses of worship.&nbsp;</p><p>The other controversial decision was the revocation of the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of Anti-semitism, which asserts, "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. The Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." The definition was seen by scholars as a weaponisation of antisemitism, using language as a site of “power and struggle.”&nbsp;</p><p>At the same time, Mamdani vowed to continue, the newly founded Office to Combat Antisemitism. The decision came as a surprise, as many had expected the incoming mayor to shut down the office opened in May. In his oath, he said, "New York belongs to all who live in it together. We will tell a new story of our city."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

On his first day in office, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked Eric Adams-era orders banning BDS, synagogue protests and the IHRA antisemitism definition.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on his first day in office, has revoked executive orders of his predecessor Eric Adams that banned protests in front of synagogues, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement and the IHRA definition of anti semitism. This was one of the key poll promises of Mamdani's campaign. On January 1, 2026, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani took Mayoral responsibility of New York City, widely regarded as the financial capital of the world and the epitome of global capitalism. The previous executive order was issued by Eric Adams on September 26, 2024, who was indicted for charges related to bribery, wire fraud and campaign finance offences. Among the revoked orders, the most controversial yet unexpected was the BDS movement, which advocates for economic/consumer, cultural, academic, boycott and divestment from any organisation, corporation that is complicit in Israeli occupation and urges economic sanctions against them. The movement's impact was accentuated by the ICJ, which found Israel guilty of apartheid against Palestinians and its military occupation and annexation of the Palestinian Territory as illegal. Zohran Mamdani further revoked the ban on protests in front of synagogues, which directed the New York Police Department to reassess its handling of protests at houses of worship. The other controversial decision was the revocation of the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of Anti-semitism, which asserts, "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. The Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." The definition was seen by scholars as a weaponisation of antisemitism, using language as a site of “power and struggle.” At the same time, Mamdani vowed to continue, the newly founded Office to Combat Antisemitism. The decision came as a surprise, as many had expected the incoming mayor to shut down the office opened in May. In his oath, he said, "New York belongs to all who live in it together. We will tell a new story of our city."

<p>On his first day in office, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked Eric Adams-era orders banning BDS, synagogue protests and the IHRA antisemitism definition.</p>

Zohran Mamdani revokes BDS, Synagogue protest bans and IHRA antisemitism definition

<p>Zoharan Mamdani, the New York Mayor has written a letter to former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist Umar Khalid, who is incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for North East Delhi riots larger Conspiracy case that took place in February 2020.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mamdani's letter to Khalid comes after the former created history by becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of America’s largest city.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The letter shared online by Khalid's partner Banojyotsna has gone viral and it reads, "Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The letter appeared on social media on Thursday, when Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid. <br>December 2025. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeUmarKhalid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeUmarKhalid</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners</a> <a href="https://t.co/QTYe06cRp5">pic.twitter.com/QTYe06cRp5</a></p>&mdash; banojyotsna ... (@banojyotsna) <a href="https://twitter.com/banojyotsna/status/2006687046627451068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mamdanis letter to Khalid comes after the former created history by becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of Americas largest city.

Zoharan Mamdani, the New York Mayor has written a letter to former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist Umar Khalid, who is incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for North East Delhi riots larger Conspiracy case that took place in February 2020. Mamdani's letter to Khalid comes after the former created history by becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of America’s largest city. The letter shared online by Khalid's partner Banojyotsna has gone viral and it reads, "Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents". The letter appeared on social media on Thursday, when Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor.

<p>Mamdani's letter to Khalid comes after the former created history by becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of America’s largest city.</p>

New York Mayor Zoharan Mamdani's letter supporting Umar Khalid appears online, goes viral

Newly-inaugurated New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hit the ground running on Thursday afternoon, signing three executive orders designed to confront the city's housing crisis.

New York: Mamdani Vows to Make New York City Affordable for Working People 

<p>In his first speech after being sworn in as New York City’s mayor on Thursday (Jan 1), Zohran Kwame Mamdani vowed to help those “betrayed by the established order”, in an attack directed towards Republicans. He said that he would govern New York City “expansively and audaciously”. He reassured New Yorkers, as thousands gathered outside City Hall, that he would carry out his agenda of affordability, adding that he would refuse to “reset expectations” for what government should deliver for the working class and the unprotected.</p><p>“They want to know if the left can govern. They want to know if the struggles that afflict them can be solved,” the 34-year-old Democrat said outside City Hall. “We will do something that New Yorkers do better than anyone else: we will set an example for the world.”</p><p>“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,” Mamdani said in his 24-minute-long speech.</p><p>Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York, pledged help those “betrayed by the established order”, highlighting the issues of cost-of-living. He also vowed to protect immigrant communities, who are currently facing the threat of deportation under US President Donald Trump’s administration.&nbsp;</p><p>His left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also addressed the crowd. “Thank you for giving us, from coast to coast, the hope and the vision that we can create government that works for all, not just the wealthy and the few,” Sanders said. During his speech, the crowd erupted in chants of “tax the rich”.</p><p>The Democrat took his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop under City Hall just after midnight to take the helm of the United States’ largest city. Mamdani took the oath with his hand on the Quran, becoming the first mayor in the city’s history to do so, according to The New York Times. His oath-taking was performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The public event had an attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

He reassured New Yorkers, as thousands gathered outside City Hall, that he would carry out his agenda of affordability, adding that he would refuse to “reset expectations” for what government should deliver for the working class and the unprotected.

In his first speech after being sworn in as New York City’s mayor on Thursday (Jan 1), Zohran Kwame Mamdani vowed to help those “betrayed by the established order”, in an attack directed towards Republicans. He said that he would govern New York City “expansively and audaciously”. He reassured New Yorkers, as thousands gathered outside City Hall, that he would carry out his agenda of affordability, adding that he would refuse to “reset expectations” for what government should deliver for the working class and the unprotected. “They want to know if the left can govern. They want to know if the struggles that afflict them can be solved,” the 34-year-old Democrat said outside City Hall. “We will do something that New Yorkers do better than anyone else: we will set an example for the world.” “Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,” Mamdani said in his 24-minute-long speech. Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York, pledged help those “betrayed by the established order”, highlighting the issues of cost-of-living. He also vowed to protect immigrant communities, who are currently facing the threat of deportation under US President Donald Trump’s administration. His left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also addressed the crowd. “Thank you for giving us, from coast to coast, the hope and the vision that we can create government that works for all, not just the wealthy and the few,” Sanders said. During his speech, the crowd erupted in chants of “tax the rich”. The Democrat took his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop under City Hall just after midnight to take the helm of the United States’ largest city. Mamdani took the oath with his hand on the Quran, becoming the first mayor in the city’s history to do so, according to The New York Times. His oath-taking was performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The public event had an attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.

<p>He reassured New Yorkers, as thousands gathered outside City Hall, that he would carry out his agenda of affordability, adding that he would refuse to “reset expectations” for what government should deliver for the working class and the unprotected.</p>

Mamdani slams Trump in first speech as New York Mayor, vows to help those ‘betrayed by established order’

New York: Mamdani Vows to Make New York City Affordable for Working People

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor in the first minutes of 2026 at the historic Old City Hall subway station. The oath was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Mamdani, 34, the city’s first Muslim mayor and former state lawmaker, pledged to uphold the Constitution and New York laws. A public inauguration on City Hall steps will follow, with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participating. Mamdani raised $2.6 million from nearly 30,000 contributors for the transition and celebrations and won 50% of the vote, inspiring over 2 million voters.


Zohran Mamdani takes oath on Quran, vows to protect US constitution

<p>Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist who made headlines for his mayoral campaign, has been sworn in as New York mayor for a four-year term. The 34-year-old Democrat took his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop under City Hall just after midnight to take the helm of the United States’ largest city. He will be New York's first Muslim mayor. Mamdani took oath with his hand on the Quran, becoming the first mayor in the city’s history to do so, according to<i> </i>The New York Times. Hisoath-taking was performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. A larger, ceremonial inauguration will commence later in the day at the City Hall, with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The public event will see the attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨Zohran Mamdani has been sworn-in as the 112th Mayor of New York City. <a href="https://t.co/Z5WY5WObwp">pic.twitter.com/Z5WY5WObwp</a></p>&mdash; Pop Crave (@PopCrave) <a href="https://twitter.com/PopCrave/status/2006595000830661065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Mamdani chose an unusual spot for oath-taking. He officially took oath at an abandoned subway stop. His office said that the understated venue for the oath-taking reflects his commitment to working people, as his campaign promised to make matters better for them, primarily by addressing the soaring cost of living. Mamdani -- virtually unknown a year ago -- defeated Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo in New York Mayoral elections held in November. He projected himself as an arch enemy of US President Trump during the campaign, but buried his differences aside and met him at the White House after his victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Guardian quoted Mamdani saying that the venue is symbolical to the “inauguration of a new era.”“It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives. That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath city hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above,” Mamdani said in a statement. He added that he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness.”</p>

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York mayor, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. Taking oath on the Quran at an abandoned subway station, the 34-year-old said the symbolic venue reflects his focus on working people and signals a new era for America’s largest city.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist who made headlines for his mayoral campaign, has been sworn in as New York mayor for a four-year term. The 34-year-old Democrat took his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop under City Hall just after midnight to take the helm of the United States’ largest city. He will be New York's first Muslim mayor. Mamdani took oath with his hand on the Quran, becoming the first mayor in the city’s history to do so, according to The New York Times. Hisoath-taking was performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. A larger, ceremonial inauguration will commence later in the day at the City Hall, with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The public event will see the attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.

<p>Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York mayor, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. Taking oath on the Quran at an abandoned subway station, the 34-year-old said the symbolic venue reflects his focus on working people and signals a new era for America’s largest city.</p>

Zohran Mamdani takes oath as New York City mayor on Quran in subway stop - WATCH

While tens of thousands of New Yorkers will be in Times Square for the countdown to 2026, the city’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has said he will be sworn into office in an underground midnight private ceremony at an abandoned subway station built during the gilded age.


Zohran Mamdani to Be Sworn in as New York Mayor in Abandoned Subway Station

<p>New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will officially take oath after the clocks strike midnight bringing in 2026 on Thursday. &nbsp;Mamdani has chosen an unusual spot for oath-taking. He will be officially sworn-in as New York's first Muslim mayor at an abandoned subway stop. His office said that the understated venue for the oath-taking reflects his commitment to working people, as his campaign promised to make matters better for them, primarily by addressing the soaring cost of living. Mamdani -- virtually unknown a year ago -- defeated Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo in New York Mayoral elections held in November. He projected himself as an arch enemy of US President Trump during the campaign, but burried his differences aside and met him at the White House after his victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-trump-and-his-tangled-tongue-a-year-of-verbal-slip-ups-and-the-list-that-keeps-growing-1767084641531"><strong>YEARENDER 2025: Trump and his tangled tongue — a year of verbal slip-ups and the list that keeps growing...</strong></a></p><h2>Why has Mamdani chosen abandoned subway as oath-taking venue?</h2><p>The Guardian quoted Mamdani saying that the venue is symbolical to the “inauguration of a new era.”“It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives. That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath city hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above,” Mamdani said in a statement. He added that he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-srk-s-pose-to-dhoom-macchale-how-zohran-mamdani-used-bollywood-and-south-asian-language-culture-to-win-big-in-new-york-city-1762335898756"><strong>From SRK's pose to Dhoom macchale: How Zohran Mamdani used Bollywood and South Asian language, culture to win big in New York City</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mamdani's swearing-in will be a private event at midnight and will be performed by New York Attorney General&nbsp;Letitia James, who successfully prosecuted Trump for fraud. A larger, ceremonial inauguration is scheduled for Thursday with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during "inauguration block party" at City Hall. The public event will see the attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.</p>

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will take oath at midnight as the city’s first Muslim mayor, choosing an abandoned subway station as a symbolic venue. His team says it reflects commitment to working people. A public inauguration with allies follows at City Hall.

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will officially take oath after the clocks strike midnight bringing in 2026 on Thursday. Mamdani has chosen an unusual spot for oath-taking. He will be officially sworn-in as New York's first Muslim mayor at an abandoned subway stop. His office said that the understated venue for the oath-taking reflects his commitment to working people, as his campaign promised to make matters better for them, primarily by addressing the soaring cost of living. Mamdani -- virtually unknown a year ago -- defeated Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo in New York Mayoral elections held in November. He projected himself as an arch enemy of US President Trump during the campaign, but burried his differences aside and met him at the White House after his victory. Also Read: YEARENDER 2025: Trump and his tangled tongue — a year of verbal slip-ups and the list that keeps growing... Why has Mamdani chosen abandoned subway as oath-taking venue? The Guardian quoted Mamdani saying that the venue is symbolical to the “inauguration of a new era.”“It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives. That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath city hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above,” Mamdani said in a statement. He added that he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness.” Also Read: From SRK's pose to Dhoom macchale: How Zohran Mamdani used Bollywood and South Asian language, culture to win big in New York City Mamdani's swearing-in will be a private event at midnight and will be performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully prosecuted Trump for fraud. A larger, ceremonial inauguration is scheduled for Thursday with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during "inauguration block party" at City Hall. The public event will see the attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.

<p>New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will take oath at midnight as the city’s first Muslim mayor, choosing an abandoned subway station as a symbolic venue. His team says it reflects commitment to working people. A public inauguration with allies follows at City Hall.</p>

Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in as New York mayor at midnight in abandoned subway station — Here's why

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to become the US city's first Muslim mayor, and the youthful optimism of his Democratic Socialist platform will be put to the test as he takes office Thursday for a four-year term that faces high expectations.


Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani set to take oath as New York City's first Muslim Mayor

Elon Musk criticized NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as fire commissioner, warning it could lead to fatal consequences. 

Elon Musk vs Mamdani: 31-Year-Old Lillian Bonsignore To Lead New York Fire Department

‘People Will Die’: Elon Musk Blasts Mamdani Over FDNY Commissioner Appointment

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Trump, Musk and more: Big names mentioned in latest Epstein files dump | In pics

‘Tax the rich’: Mamdani takes on Hochul a day after $260bn NYC budget unveiling

In NYC, nearly 15,000 nurses go on strike over contract dispute; Mamdani reacts

Mamdani condemns ‘We support Hamas’ chants at NYC protest

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Israel says 'Mamdani showed his true face' on first day as mayor. Here's why

Zohran Mamdani grooves to Babbulicious' rager song after taking oath - Watch

Mamdani revokes BDS, Synagogue protest bans and IHRA antisemitism definition

New York Mayor Zoharan Mamdani's letter supporting Umar Khalid appears online, goes viral

New York: Mamdani Vows to Make New York City Affordable for Working People

NY Mayor Mamdani slams Trump, vows to help those ‘betrayed by established order’

New York: Mamdani Vows to Make New York City Affordable for Working People

Zohran Mamdani takes oath on Quran, vows to protect US constitution

Zohran Mamdani takes oath as New York City mayor on Quran in subway stop - WATCH

Zohran Mamdani to Be Sworn in as New York Mayor in Abandoned Subway Station

Mamdani to take oath as NY mayor in abandoned subway — Here’s why

Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani set to take oath as New York City's first Muslim Mayor

Elon Musk vs Mamdani: 31-Year-Old Lillian Bonsignore To Lead New York Fire Department

‘People Will Die’: Elon Musk Blasts Mamdani Over FDNY Commissioner Appointment