SRINAGAR: Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City shortly after midnight during a private ceremony held at the long-disused Old City Hall subway station, setting the stage for a full day of public inaugural events, including a formal swearing-in and celebrations outside City Hall.
The 34-year-old was administered the oath of office by New York attorney general Letitia James, with his wife Rama Duwaji and close family members in attendance. Among them were his mother, acclaimed film-maker Mira Nair, and his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a professor of African studies at Columbia University.
Describing the moment as “the honour and privilege of a lifetime”, Mamdani said the choice of venue underscored the importance of public transport to the city’s identity, health and future. He said he was eager to begin his term and meet New Yorkers later in the day.
During the ceremony, Mamdani announced the appointment of veteran city planner Mike Flynn as the new transportation commissioner, saying he wanted New York’s public transit system to become “the envy of the world”. Flynn called the role “the job of a lifetime”.
The outgoing mayor, Eric Adams, was also present, later saying he attended to demonstrate a smooth and peaceful transition of power.
In a historic first for the city, Mamdani was sworn in using a Qur’an, honouring his Muslim faith. According to New York Times, he placed his hand on his grandfather’s Qur’an as well as one belonging to Arturo Schomburg, the noted Black writer and historian, lent by the New York Public Library.
The ceremony was attended by members of an inaugural committee selected by Mamdani, including actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola and author Colson Whitehead, alongside community advocates, small business owners and campaign workers.
A larger public ceremony is scheduled for 1pm, where Mamdani will be introduced by Bronx Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and publicly sworn in by Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.
Mamdani’s office said the decision to use the old City Hall subway station reflected his commitment to working people and the infrastructure that keeps the city running. Opened in 1904, the station was described by Mamdani as a symbol of New York’s ambition to build boldly for its citizens.
The inauguration marks the culmination of a rapid rise for Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist elected as a Democrat, in the United States’ most populous city. His breakthrough came earlier this year when he defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, following a campaign driven by social media outreach and extensive grassroots mobilisation.
Backed by more than 10,000 volunteers, Mamdani focused on affordability, proposing rent freezes, free public transport, city-run grocery stores and expanded mental health services. In November, he won the mayoral election with 50.78 per cent of the vote, pledging to govern for working New Yorkers traditionally excluded from power.
In his victory address, Mamdani said the city belonged to its people, urging them to turn shared hopes and promises into a collective programme for change.
