Mumbai: The mayoral election victory of Zohran Mamdani, 34 — the first South Asian, Muslim, and youngest in a century to helm the administration of New York City — is echoing far beyond America’s shores. The ripple effect has reached Mumbai, where civic elections are due soon.

Mumbai BJP chief and Andheri West MLA Ameet Satam sparked a political storm after posting on social media about Mamdani’s win.

“We will not allow any Khan to become mayor,” Satam declared, calling it an instance of ‘vote jihad’ and alleging that an attempt was being made to “import” the same kind of politics seen in New York City to Mumbai.

When asked what he meant by that, Satam clarified:

“Some people are adopting the path of appeasement to maintain political power. It is necessary to protect Mumbai from such forces that have previously tried to divide society.”

While insisting that he believes in communal harmony, the BJP leader maintained, “If anyone tries to divide society by adopting an anti-national stance, we will oppose them.”

Mamdani — the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Indian-origin scholar Mahmood Mamdani — recently defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who contested as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

His historic win in the city of over 8.4 million people has been hailed as a comeback of progressive politics, focused on working-class issues like free childcare, rent freeze, and free bus services.

However, Mamdani’s rise has also triggered sharp responses from right-wing groups globally, reigniting debates on immigration, identity, and indigenous rights.

In Mumbai, similar narratives are already finding resonance as the city heads toward elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — India’s richest civic body.

The local vs outsider sentiment, historically championed by the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), appears to be taking centre stage once again. Ameet Satam’s remarks indicate that the BJP might adopt a similar strategy this election season.

“We will always stand for the development and unity of Mumbai. Vande Mataram programmes are being organised throughout the city. Every citizen has the right to say this with pride. Any attempt to change the social and cultural identity of the city will not be acceptable,” Satam said, echoing global critics of Mamdani’s brand of politics.