Zohran Mamdani Quotes Nehru in Historic New York Mayoral Victory Speech
Historic Victory for Zohran Mamdani
In a significant win, Indian-origin Democrat Zohran Mamdani triumphed over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York mayoral elections held in the United States on Wednesday.
During his victory address, Mamdani referenced India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, stating, “Standing before you, I think of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru. A moment comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”
This quote is taken from Nehru's famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, delivered on the eve of India's independence in 1947.
VIDEO | USA: Addressing his supporters after winning New York city mayoral elections, Indian-origin democratic socialist lawmaker, Zohran Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani), quotes former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru in his victory speech.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 5, 2025
He says, “Standing before you, I’m… pic.twitter.com/gydR3zPsql
Mamdani emphasized the need for a clear and bold vision for New York, stating, “Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new. Let us speak now in clarity and conviction that cannot be misunderstood about what this new age will deliver and for whom. This will be an age where New Yorkers expect from their leaders a bold vision of what we will achieve rather than a list of excuses for what we are too timid to attempt.”
He highlighted that addressing the cost-of-living crisis would be central to his agenda.
His speech concluded with the energetic song “Dhoom Machale” from the 2004 Bollywood film Dhoom.
Zohran Mamdani's victory speech just ended with the closing song "Dhoom Machale" 😱 pic.twitter.com/DJfFLFXcOz
— Saib Bilaval (@SaibBilaval) November 5, 2025
At 34 years old, Mamdani has made history as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, securing 50.6% of the votes compared to Cuomo's 41.2%. Curtis Silwa was also a candidate in the race.
This election served as a pivotal moment for the Democratic party, reflecting its future direction while also focusing on the governance of the largest city in the United States.
Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, and is the son of renowned Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani and celebrated Indian filmmaker Mira Nair.