Mamdani's New York rise: Welfarism versus populism

There's a crucial difference between the two and his plan for the city might be just what it needs

- AJIT RANADE

The 33-year-old Uganda-born son of immigrants, Zohran Mamdani, defeated 67-year-old Andrew Cuomo, three-term governor of New York state, in the city's mayoral primary poll for a Democratic party candidate. Mamdani's thumping victory has sent shockwaves in the party and exposed a divide between moderates and progressives. Cuomo has name recognition. He represents a powerful political dynasty, is a well-funded establishment figure and was backed by national heavyweights and endorsed by labour unions. Mamdani is a relatively unknown democrat socialist with a left-wing vision for the city, focused on issues of affordability, fairness and redistribution. If elected, he would be New York City's first Indian-American mayor and also the first Muslim to hold that office. His win made news in the US as a major upset that has overturned expectations and perhaps signalled an ideological shift. Mamdani was careful to assert that if elected, he would duly represent all New Yorkers.