From New York with Bias: Mullah Mamdani’s Blind Spot on Modiji’s India
- MGMMTeam
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Introduction
Recently, Zohran Mamdani, a New York-based socialist and political candidate, made remarks criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns about human rights, democratic backsliding, and media freedom in India. While critique of public figures is a healthy part of democracy, Mamdani's comments are problematic not only because they emerge from a removed context, but also because they fail to acknowledge the larger picture of India’s transformation under Modiji's leadership. Blaming Modiji for India's challenges while overlooking his contributions is not only unfair but intellectually lazy.
The Reality of India’s Poverty Reduction
One of the most overlooked aspects of Modiji's governance is the remarkable reduction in poverty. According to a World Bank report in 2024, India's extreme poverty rate has dropped from 27.1% in 2011-12 to just 5.3% in 2022-23. This means that nearly 270 million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. Rural areas, often the most neglected in previous regimes, have seen substantial gains in income and services. These are not just abstract numbers; they represent real changes in nutrition, access to sanitation, education, and financial security.
This shift is a product of massive welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Jan Dhan Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana, which have reached hundreds of millions of citizens. During the pandemic, PMGKAY alone fed over 800 million people, a scale of relief unseen in many developed nations. International institutions like the IMF and World Bank have acknowledged these achievements, yet voices like Mamdani’s remain silent about them.
India’s Digital and Financial Transformation
Modiji's tenure has also brought about a revolution in financial inclusion and digital empowerment. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched under his government, has become one of the most advanced real-time payment systems in the world. In May 2025 alone, UPI processed over 18 billion transactions, moving trillions of rupees in the economy and creating a seamless infrastructure for everyday commerce.
These advancements have empowered street vendors, small business owners, and rural communities that previously had limited or no access to banking. Through Jan Dhan accounts, more than 450 million people now participate in the formal financial system. The transformation has been praised globally, but again, rarely mentioned by overseas critics who claim India is regressing.
Mandate Through Democracy
India remains the world’s largest democracy, and the Indian people have repeatedly shown their trust in Modiji through the ballot box. In 2024, Modiji secured a third term as Prime Minister, with the BJP winning 240 seats and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) crossing the majority mark at 293 seats. While some critics highlighted the loss of an outright majority by the BJP, the coalition victory still represents a clear and legal mandate.
It is disingenuous to claim authoritarianism in a system where leadership changes are peaceful and decided by hundreds of millions of voters. India has witnessed robust electoral participation and an engaged citizenry, both signs of a functioning democracy. Mamdani’s remarks seem to ignore this democratic reality in favor of a narrative more palatable to his political base.
Global Diplomacy and Crisis Leadership
On the international stage, Modiji has elevated India’s profile. India’s successful G20 presidency, its leadership in the Global South, and its firm stance on counter-terrorism have earned it newfound respect. During crises, Modiji has led rapid and efficient evacuation missions from conflict zones like Ukraine and Sudan, bringing thousands of Indian nationals home safely. These actions display administrative efficiency and concern for citizens abroad—qualities essential in any leader.
Moreover, India's defense modernization has gained momentum. Indigenous weapons systems, a push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), and growing defense exports are signs of India positioning itself as a responsible power. These achievements contrast sharply with the image of India as regressive and authoritarian, an image some Western-based activists try to promote.
Why the Criticism Falls Flat
Zohran Mamdani’s criticism comes not from lived experience within India but from ideological echo chambers abroad. His framework appears rooted in Western academic and activist circles that often fail to grasp the complexity and diversity of Indian society and its needs. It is easy to sit in New York and frame Modiji’s governance through binary moral lenses, but doing so strips away the nuances of policy, scale, and democratic consent.
Furthermore, Mamdani’s focus seems selective. Where was his outrage during the decades of dynastic politics, rampant corruption, and minority appeasement that paralyzed India’s progress for years? Where are his comments on Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism or China’s repression of minorities? Selective activism is not only intellectually dishonest but morally compromised.
Conclusion
Criticism of any leader is welcome in a democracy, but it must be informed, balanced, and contextual. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led India through unprecedented transformation—from poverty reduction and digital empowerment to global diplomacy and welfare expansion. He continues to enjoy broad support within India because his leadership has delivered real results.
To blame Modiji from afar, ignoring both his accomplishments and the voice of the Indian electorate, is not just unfair but misleading. India is not perfect, but its path forward should be judged by its people—not by politicians looking to score points thousands of miles away.
(Sources: Yahoo News, NDTV, Economic Times, PIB)
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