Zohran Mamdani vows a ‘new era’ for New York, says ‘Logon ke dil badal gaye’: Here’s what he promised

Zohran Mamdani’s ‘new era’ for New York: What the mayor promised as he says ‘Logon ke dil badal gaye’

• Zohran Mamdani sworn in as NYC's 112th mayor, first Muslim and South Asian mayor
• Mamdani pledges progressive reforms, focusing on affordability and social equity
• Bernie Sanders administered oath; Mamdani vows to serve all New Yorkers

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Democrat Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor shortly after midnight on Thursday, marking the start of a new administration centred on affordability, social equity, and progressive reform in the United States’ largest city.

The 34-year-old democratic socialist took office following a private oath ceremony and a public inauguration on the steps of City Hall, attended by thousands of supporters despite the bitter January cold. Mamdani’s victory represents a generational and ideological shift in city leadership, with implications that extend beyond municipal politics.

Addressing the crowd at City Hall, Mamdani framed his election as a reflection of changing public sentiment. Recalling a conversation with a Pakistani woman during the campaign, he told supporters, “Logon ke dil badal gaye hai (people’s hearts have changed).”

He pledged to serve all residents, including those who opposed him at the polls. “If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” Mamdani said. “Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never hide from you.”

Rejecting claims that his politics are extreme, Mamdani said, “I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” adding, “What’s radical is a system that gives so much to so few and denies so many the basic necessities of life.”

A historic inauguration

Mamdani made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first mayor of South Asian descent, the first born in Africa, and the youngest to hold the office in more than a century. He was also the first mayor to be sworn in using the Qur’an, selecting a copy from the New York Public Library that once belonged to Afro-Latino historian Arturo Schomburg.

The public ceremony followed a private swearing-in held just after midnight at a long-closed City Hall subway station, attended by his wife, Rama Duwaji, and his parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani.

Progressive leaders rally behind Mamdani

The inauguration drew several high-profile figures from the progressive movement. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders formally administered the oath of office, while Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced Mamdani to the crowd.

“We have chosen courage over fear. We have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few,” Ocasio-Cortez said, praising Mamdani as a leader dedicated to working-class New Yorkers.

Sanders said Mamdani was assuming office “at a time when we are seeing too much hatred, too much division, and too much injustice,” and called for “a government that works for all, not just the wealthy and the few.”

A platform focused on affordability

Throughout his campaign and inaugural address, Mamdani emphasised tackling New York’s affordability crisis. His policy priorities include freezing rents for nearly two million rent-stabilised tenants, introducing universal childcare, and making city buses free.

“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try,” Mamdani said.

He also urged New Yorkers to remain engaged beyond election day, stressing that lasting change would require sustained public participation.

Transition from the Adams administration

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his administration’s public safety record before leaving office, citing historically low homicide and shooting figures in 2025. Adams also noted the removal of thousands of illegal guns from city streets during his tenure.

On his first day in office, Mamdani signed several executive orders, including one revoking orders issued by Adams after September 2024, when Adams was federally indicted on corruption charges. The charges were later dropped by the Justice Department.

Looking ahead

Mamdani and his wife will move from their rent-stabilised apartment in Queens to Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence. As he concluded his address, Mamdani told supporters, “The work has only just begun.”

His inauguration marks the start of a closely watched mayoralty, as New York City becomes a testing ground for progressive governance amid national political uncertainty.