From Nehru to Dhoom Machale, New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani owns his Indian roots in victory celebration

As the first Indian-American Muslim Mayor of the largest city in the US, the Democratic Socialist leader said, "Standing before you, I think of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru. 'A moment comes but rarely in history when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance'.

"Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new. So, let us speak now with clarity and conviction that cannot be misunderstood that what this new age will deliver and for whom. This will be an age where New Yorkers expect from their leaders bold vision of what we will achieve rather than a list of excuses for what we are too timid to attempt."

As Mamdani, who is the Indian filmmaker Mira Nair's son, finished his pumped up, highly energetic speech, his supporters played massively popular Bollywood hit song 'Dhoom Machale' at the Mayor-elect's headquarters in Brooklyn.

In a message with a taunt for his staunch opponent US President Donald Trump, Mamdani said, "Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you: 'turn the volume up'."

Mamdani, whose campaign was largely occupied by freebie promises, defeated former city Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was endorsed by President Trump.

At 34, Mamdani is poised to become the youngest Mayor of the most populous city of the country.

Inspired by US Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani is in favour of free city bus rides, rent freezes, city-owned groceries, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030.

He led efforts for fare-free buses and congestion pricing. On Israel-Palestine, he backs BDS, opposes illegal settlements, and calls for Gaza ceasefires, while rejecting antisemitism and supporting Israel's right to exist.

He also champions anti-discrimination laws and protests funding cuts to gender-affirming care.