Red-Blue Republic of New York

Not the conservative 'red' as Zohran Mamdani is a democratic socialist

- Souzeina Mushtaq

IN 2020, Mahmood Mamdani, professor of international affairs and anthropology at Columbia University, published a book titled Neither Settler Nor Native: The Making and Unmaking of Permanent Minorities. In it, he challenged the legitimacy of ethnic nationalism and the notion of the “permanent minority”, arguing that these are not natural states but politically manufactured categories— products of political violence, exclusion and colonialism. He called for a radical rethinking of political belonging—one that moves toward a more inclusive, civic-based citizenship. He dedicated the book to his son, Zohran, writing: “You teach us how to engage the world in difficult times. May you inspire many and blaze a trail.” That trail has come sharply into focus now. In June 2025, Zohran Mamdani made history as the first South Asian Muslim immigrant to become the Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City. Despite trailing in polls for much of the race, Mamdani surged ahead in the final stretch. His victory was not only a political upset—it was also the realisation of his father’s theoretical vision, now brought to life in practice. Although Mamdani has not turned to his parents for political advice, it has nonetheless shaped his upbringing as well as his campaign.

Thirty-three-year-old Mamdani built a grassroots movement that challenged entrenched power, centred the needs of the historically excluded, and articulated a vision of belonging grounded not in identity politics but in solidarity. His signature proposals—fast, fare-free city buses, a rent freeze for rent-stabilised units, and no-cost childcare—spoke directly to the lived realities of working-class New Yorkers.