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Zohran Mamdani took oath as the new mayor of New York City at a historic ceremony at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. The Indian-origin Democrat
was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America's biggest city, placing his hand on a Quran as he took his oath. "This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime," Mamdani said.
The ceremony, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a political ally, took place at the old City Hall station, one of the city's original subway stops that is known for its stunning arched ceilings. In Mamdani’s first speech as mayor, he said the old subway station was a “testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city” as he announced the appointment of his new Department of Transportation commissioner, Mike Flynn.
He will be sworn in again, in grander style, in a public ceremony at City Hall at 1 pm by US Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of the mayor's political heroes. That will be followed by what the new administration is billing as a public block party on a stretch of Broadway known as the 'Canyon of Heroes,' famous for its ticker-tape parades.
In addition to being the city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani is also its first of South Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa. At 34, Mamdani is also the city’s youngest mayor in generations.
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Mamdani now begins one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of the country’s most-watched politicians. He made the issue of affordability his campaign point during the run up to the elections. He has promised to bring many transformative changes including lowering the cost of living.
Apart from this, he will also have to face the issue of handling trash and snow and rats, while getting blamed for subway delays and potholes. Further, he will also have to deal with President Donald Trump, who had threatened to withhold federal funding from the city if Mamdani won and mused about sending National Guard troops to the city.
But Trump surprised supporters and foes alike by inviting the Democrat to the White House for what ended up being a cordial meeting in November. “I want him to do a great job and will help him do a great job,” Trump said.
