Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has targeted Zohran Mamdani, the Muslim candidate vying to become New York’s first Muslim mayor. Mamdani recently won the Democratic primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo by securing over 43% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 36%.
Kangana’s criticism came after she shared an old video of Mamdani participating in a protest against Hindus at Times Square. She tweeted that although Mamdani’s mother is a respected Indian filmmaker, his father is a Gujarati-origin writer and “he looks more Pakistani than Indian.”
She added sarcastically that Mamdani’s Hindu identity has seemingly disappeared as he appears ready to “erase Hinduism,” mocking what she called a familiar story. Her remarks followed comments from an Indian politician criticizing Mamdani for his alleged “anti-India” stance.
Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi also criticized Mamdani, saying India does not need allies like him. Singhvi remarked that “when Mamdani speaks, Pakistan’s PR team takes a break,” implying Mamdani’s statements align with Pakistan’s interests.
This controversy highlights rising tensions around Mamdani’s identity and political stance amid his historic bid to become New York’s first Muslim mayor.