New York, Jan 02 (KNS): Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new Mayor of New York City early Thursday in an unusual ceremony held at a closed subway station beneath City Hall. With this, the 34-year-old Democrat became the first Muslim, first South Asian and first African-born person to lead the largest city in the United States.

The oath of office was administered shortly after midnight by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Mamdani took the oath on a centuries-old copy of the Quran, a first for a New York City mayor. The law does not require any specific religious text to be used during the oath.

Mamdani was accompanied by his wife, Rama Duwaji, during the ceremony, which was attended by close supporters and officials. Addressing those present, he greeted New Yorkers on the New Year and said the moment was an honour of a lifetime.

The choice of venue, a long-shut subway station under City Hall, was seen as symbolic, reflecting Mamdani’s campaign focus on working-class issues and public infrastructure.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHis rise in city politics has drawn attention across the country, particularly for his strong use of social media and direct engagement with voters.

Over the past year, Mamdani emerged from relative political obscurity to win the mayoral race, with affordability, housing and cost-of-living concerns forming the core of his campaign. He also spoke openly about his faith during the campaign and built significant support among Muslim and South Asian communities across New York’s five boroughs.

As mayor, Mamdani is expected to focus on economic challenges, public services and inclusion, as he begins his term leading one of the world’s most diverse cities.(KNS)