Zoran Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign and Foreign Influence
Zoran Mamdani’s run for mayor has been notably supported by a South Asian political apparatus linked to Pakistan’s radical Marxist movement. Some research indicates that foreign influence could have played a crucial role in his initial win.
The U.S. has always been cautious about the risks of foreign interference in its elections, especially from online misinformation. But what if this meddling occurs more openly, right on the streets of New York City, instead of lurking in the dark corners of the internet?
One group, the immigrant rights nonprofit DRUM (Desis Rising Up and Moving) and its political branch, DRUM Beats, have established what many insiders call one of the most effective ground operations in recent urban political history.
According to DRUM’s post-election statements, the organization—described on its website as a “multi-generational, member-driven group of low-wage South Asian and Indo-Caribbean immigrants, workers, and youth in New York City”—helped mobilize over 150,000 voters from these communities during the June Democratic primary. This effort significantly contributed to Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo, with totals of 573,169 to 443,229 votes in the third round of ranked-choice voting.
Voter participation among Bangladeshi voters rose by 13% compared to the 2021 elections, while in Pakistan, it jumped 11%. DRUM declared that nearly half of registered Bangladeshi voters turned out.
In a September article, the New York Times highlighted that South Asian voter turnout in the primary surged by an impressive 40% from 2021.
Mamdani, in an October Facebook post, noted these increases, asserting that it wasn’t mere chance. His campaign collaborated closely with organizations like @drumbeatsnyc and @caaavvoice, aiming to reach a significant portion of the South Asian electorate. They produced videos in Bangla and Urdu, ensuring their presence was felt everywhere, which they believe was just the beginning.
This grassroots push was apparently a determining factor in Mamdani’s success. Activists, including Bangladeshi writer Qazi J. Islam and DRUM Director Qazi Fouzia, have acknowledged the critical role played by the South Asian community in his campaign.
Fahad Ahmed, DRUM’s Executive Director, previously mentioned engaging with several Pakistani political figures, describing those interactions as “encouraging.” The Post has reached out for additional comments.
The Haqq-e-Khalq Party (HKP), a radical socialist group that advocates for the unity of the oppressed—a movement founded in Pakistan—also connects Mamdani’s campaign to broader global leftist networks.
DRUM co-hosted events with the People’s Forum and supported protests advocating for Palestine, highlighting their active role in various political movements.
As forward momentum builds, Mamdani’s coalition incorporates influential activists from the Pakistani community, including Raza Gilani, Mohiba Ahmed, and Zahid Ali, who are essential to campaign strategies.
No doubt, community leaders attribute much of the campaign’s momentum to Fawzia, who has been credited with galvanizing local support effectively. She herself noted that her presence had made a noticeable impact in the community, as residents frequently acknowledge her role.
However, the overlap between DRUM and its political arm, DRUM Beats, raises legal questions about compliance with federal laws governing such nonprofit organizations.
While Mamdani’s social media presence soared, boasting an astonishing growth in his follower count, the campaign’s influence among voters from South Asia is evident. With conversations primarily in Urdu, Bangla, and other languages echoing across platforms, it suggests a collective effort to rally support that went beyond traditional campaigning.
Ultimately, the turnout increases from these communities could very well account for Mamdani’s narrow margin over Cuomo. The strategy, it seems, has bridged not only cultural but political divides, reshaping the electoral landscape in New York.
