After Zohran Mamdani’s Landmark Win in New York, Mumbai BJP Chief Ameet Satam Issues Sharp Warning

Satam’s Caution Over “Changing Political Colours”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Satam suggested that global political shifts were influencing local politics, stating that Mumbai must “stay vigilant.”

“The way the political colour of some international cities is changing, after seeing the surnames of a few mayors and the ‘vote jihad’ of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, it feels necessary to stay alert regarding Mumbai..! If anyone tries to impose a ‘Khan’ on Mumbai, it will not be tolerated! Wake up, Mumbaikars!” his post read.

In an interview with NDTV, Satam further claimed that “certain groups are attempting to replicate New York’s style of politics in Mumbai,” adding that some leaders were engaging in appeasement politics for electoral gain.

He clarified, however, that his comments were not against any religion but against those “who divide society or act against the national interest.”

MVA’s Response

Leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT), hit back at Satam’s remarks. Party spokesperson Anand Dubey criticized the BJP leader for making what he called “irresponsible and communal statements.”

“Ameet Satam’s mental state seems disturbed. Since he became BJP’s Mumbai president, he has been giving bizarre comments about the mayor. The people of Mumbai will decide their leader, and I am confident a Marathi Hindu will become mayor,” Dubey said in a statement to ANI.

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani, 34, made history this week by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, securing nearly 50% of the vote. The Democratic Socialist defeated both Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in Tuesday’s elections.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York with his family at the age of seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. He is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani.

In his victory address, Mamdani said,

“Each morning, I will wake up with one purpose — to make this city better for its people than it was the day before.”

Political Ripples Across Borders

Mamdani’s past criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s ideology has sparked strong reactions among some Indian-American groups and BJP supporters in India. Actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut also took to social media, alleging that Mamdani’s political stance “sounds more Pakistani than Indian.”

While Mamdani’s win has been celebrated globally as a milestone for diversity and inclusion, his election has also reignited political debate in India — particularly around identity, religion, and representation in politics.