Zohran Mamdani Takes Charge as New York Mayor, Pledges Principled Governance

 New York, Dec 2 : “I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical,” Mamdani said in his inaugural address, promising to revive what he described as “the era of big government” to improve daily life for New Yorkers.

A socialist pitch from City Hall

Outlining his governing philosophy, Mamdani said his administration would challenge corporate power and prioritise collective solutions over individualism.

“We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism,” he said, adding that his government would “never flinch in the fight against corporate greed”.

He reiterated core campaign promises, including free bus travel, free childcare from six months of age, city-run retail outlets, and a freeze on rent hikes in regulated housing.

Sanders, speaking earlier, framed Mamdani’s election as a warning to the wealthy elite. “The billionaire class in this city and country have to understand that they cannot have it all,” he said, arguing that the country must serve everyone, not just a privileged few.

The ceremony opened with a prayer to Allah led by Imam Khalid Latif, who said Mamdani’s victory signalled a “different New York”, where a young immigrant democratic socialist could win office by standing firmly by his convictions.

In a symbolic gesture underscoring his political image, Mamdani arrived at City Hall in a regular taxi, despite being under police protection. He took the oath holding two Korans—one belonging to his grandfather and another linked to an African American writer—held by his wife, Rama Duwaji.

A celebratory block party followed on Broadway, drawing an estimated 40,000 people despite freezing temperatures of around minus 2 degrees Celsius, according to city officials.

Midnight oath and challenges ahead

Earlier, just after midnight, Mamdani had been sworn in privately by New York State Attorney General Letitia James at a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall, formally marking the legal start of his term.

His inauguration came as New Yorkers welcomed the New Year in Times Square, closing the chapter on the outgoing administration of mayor Eric Adams.

Born in Uganda to Shia Muslim parents, Mamdani is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, whose roots trace back to India. He secured a narrow victory in the November mayoral election, winning 51 per cent of the vote against former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Since the election, Mamdani has moderated some earlier positions and reached out to Jewish community leaders following criticism over past remarks and associations. While the city’s fire commissioner resigned amid the controversy, the Jewish police commissioner remained in office.

Several of Mamdani’s policy proposals particularly those linked to affordability will require approval at the state level and significant funding. His proposal to “tax the rich” has drawn pushback, with critics noting that roughly 1 per cent of earners already contribute nearly half of the city’s USD 18.5 billion income tax revenue, raising concerns about capital flight.

As supporters celebrate a historic transition at City Hall, Mamdani begins his term facing deep scepticism, intense political scrutiny, and the challenge of translating bold promises into workable policy.