Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City's youngest mayor in a century

Zohran Mamdani a Democratic Socialist who rose to prominence on a campaign focused on tackling affordability in one of the most expensive cities in the United States US was sworn in early Thursday as New York Citys 112th mayor news agency ANI reportedAt 34 Mamdani made history as the cityrsquos first Muslim mayor its first South Asian mayor and the youngest person to hold the office in more than a centuryldquoThis is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetimerdquo Mamdani said moments after taking the oath ANI reported quoting CNNThe former Queensbased state assemblyman stunned the political establishment with his victory in the Democratic primary last summer running on a platform aimed at easing the costofliving burden His campaign pledged universal childcare a rent freeze for nearly two million rentstabilised tenants and making city buses ldquofast and freerdquo according to CNNMamdani was sworn in shortly after midnight during a private ceremony attended by his wife artist Rama Duwaji His parents filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani were also present ANI reportedNew York State Attorney General Letitia James whom Mamdani has previously described as a ldquopolitical inspirationrdquo administered the oath of officeMamdani sworn in at historic City Hall subway stationThe ceremony was held at the disused City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan a historic site closed to the public since 1945 The station one of the cityrsquos original subway stops opened in 1904 features ornate tiled arches stained glass skylights and chandeliers CNN reportedSpeaking after the ceremony Mamdani highlighted the symbolism of the venue describing it as ldquoa testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality the health and the legacy of our cityrdquoHe also announced the appointment of veteran city planner Michael Flynn as the next commissioner of the cityrsquos Department of TransportationPublic transport has been a cornerstone of Mamdanirsquos agenda Along with proposals to make buses free he has said his administration would expand bicycle lanes and redesign streets to better serve pedestriansA public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at City Hall Plaza where thousands are expected to attend Progressive leaders including Democratic Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez and independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders are set to take part with Sanders administering the public oath of office CNN reportedMamdanirsquos transition team has also planned a block party along Broadway billed as the ldquoInauguration of a New Erardquo with supporters gathering outside City HallWhile his agenda has energised progressive circles it has also attracted scepticism His proposals to tax the wealthy would require approval from the state legislature and the governor He assumes office at a time when New Yorkrsquos economy shows resilience even as high living costs continue to strain workingclass residentsMamdanirsquos ascent comes as the national Democratic Party debates its future direction with his victory intensifying discussions over whether the party should shift further left and make affordability a central issue ahead of upcoming midterm electionsWith ANI inputs