Zohran Mamdani, NYC's newly elected mayor, embraces his Indian heritage complexly—playing "Dhoom Machale" at rallies and quoting Nehru's "Tryst with Destiny" speech, yet criticizing PM Modi as "anti-Muslim" and "fascist." The 34-year-old's campaign referenced Bollywood frequently, earning praise from Democratic leader Ro Khanna. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut attacked him, saying he "sounds more Pakistani than Indian." Born in Uganda, Mamdani moved to America at seven, advocating for working-class immigrants with policies like rent freezes and free buses. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi lauded his Nehru reference. Despite facing Trump's attacks calling him "communist" and widespread Islamophobia, Mamdani declared NYC will remain "a city of immigrants."

Fourteen Indian Hindu pilgrims were denied entry into Pakistan during Guru Nanak's 556th birth anniversary celebrations, despite having proper clearances. Pakistani officials reportedly told them, "You are Hindu… you can't go with Sikh devotees," sending them back humiliated. The group included Pakistani-born Sindhis with Indian citizenship hoping to visit relatives. Around 1,900 of 2,100 approved pilgrims successfully crossed the Wagah border, the first people-to-people contact since Operation Sindoor in May. Additionally, 300 independent visa applicants were turned back at India's border for lacking Home Ministry approval. The pilgrims will visit multiple gurdwaras during their 10-day stay, with the main ceremony at Gurdwara Janamasthan near Lahore. (PC: AP)

Zohran Mamdani, 34, made history as New York City's youngest and first Muslim mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. The Democratic-Socialist secured 1,035,646 votes (50%), with Cuomo receiving 41.6%. His mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated on social media, posting "Zohran, you beauty" alongside 'Empire State Of Mind.' During his victory speech, Mamdani directly addressed Donald Trump: "Turn the volume up! To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us." He emphasized NYC's immigrant identity, stating the city will remain "built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant." He assumes office January 1, 2026, bringing focus on inclusivity and social justice.

India said Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City Mayor is an “internal matter” of the United States. Official sources said India wishes him well but noted his campaign remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian politics. They called his comments a “desperate attempt” to influence Indian diaspora voters. Sources added that while Mamdani’s win shows the success of Indian immigrants, he now faces the challenge of governing and meeting promises on housing. During his campaign, Mamdani said he criticized Modi’s vision for India, stressing his belief in pluralism and inclusivity. (PC: The Hindu)

Fourteen Indian Hindu pilgrims were denied entry into Pakistan while attempting to join Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations at Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak’s birthplace. Pakistani immigration officials reportedly told them, “You are Hindu, not Sikh,” preventing their participation. The group, originally Sindhi Hindus now settled in India, was among around 2,100 pilgrims cleared by India’s Home Ministry and issued visas by Pakistan. Additionally, nearly 300 others were stopped on the Indian side for incomplete documentation. The incident has drawn criticism for violating religious harmony and freedom of pilgrimage between the two nations.

The White House said India and the United States will continue their trade talks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is “very positive” about ties with India and often speaks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She said Trump last spoke to Modi during Diwali celebrations at the Oval Office. Leavitt added that trade teams from both sides are holding “very serious discussions.” Trump had earlier hinted at a new trade deal after tensions rose over higher tariffs on Indian goods. The talks are expected to focus on easing trade barriers and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. (PC: NDTV)

Zohran Mamdani declared his campaign "toppled a political dynasty" after winning New York City's mayoral race in a stunning political upset. The 34-year-old democratic socialist becomes NYC's 111th mayor and first Muslim leader, defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Addressing jubilant supporters, he proclaimed, "The future is in our hands," thanking diverse coalition members including Yemeni bodega owners, Senegalese taxi drivers, Uzbek nurses, Ethiopian aunties. His grassroots campaign spanning Brooklyn's gentrified neighborhoods to Queens' immigrant enclaves focused on taxing the wealthy, expanding social programs, and addressing affordability crises. Mamdani emotionally thanked parents and wife Rama, recalled a Bronx woman's lament inspiring his renewal message, promising "a new dawn built by the people."

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval secured re-election with overwhelming support, capturing over 79% when AP called the race at 8:13 p.m. with 22% votes counted (Pureval: 12,694; Bowman: 2,835). The Democratic-preference mayor, serving since 2022 after winning May's primary with 80%+ votes, defeated Republican Cory Bowman (VP J.D. Vance's half-brother). Pureval previously served as Hamilton County Clerk of Courts (2017-2021). His victory speech emphasized continued prioritization of public safety, job growth, and affordable housing. The high-stakes election centered on public safety amid ongoing police chief Terri Theetge internal investigation. Bowman criticized current policing plans but graciously conceded, thanking supporters while expressing hope for Cincinnati's success regardless of leadership. (PC: Cincinnati Enquirer)

Three Indian-origin candidates achieved historic electoral victories across America on November 5. Zohran Mamdani, 34, won NYC's mayoral race with over 50% votes (1+ million ballots), becoming the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor in record-breaking turnout exceeding 2 million voters. Virginia's Ghazala Hashmi secured lieutenant governor victory with 53% against Republican John Reid, becoming America's first Muslim woman in statewide office after making history as Virginia's first Muslim South Asian legislator in 2019. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, of Indian-Tibetan heritage, won re-election with 79% votes, defeating Republican Cory Bowman (VP J.D. Vance's half-brother). The victories underscore growing South Asian political influence from city halls to state capitals nationwide. (PC: VPM, Ideastream & ABC News)

Indian-American Democrat Ghazala Hashmi won Virginia's lieutenant governor race, defeating Republican John Reid. Born in Hyderabad in 1964, she emigrated to the US at age four, joining her father in Georgia. Hashmi becomes the first Muslim and South Asian American serving Virginia's Senate (15th District since 2019). Her victory triggers a special Senate seat election. She flipped a Republican-held seat in 2019 and chaired the Senate Education and Health Committee in 2024. Hashmi earned a PhD in American literature from Emory University, spent 30 years as professor at University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College, founding CETL. She lives in Richmond with husband Azhar Rafiq; daughters Yasmin and Noor graduated from UVA. (PC: X)