Washington, August 27: Popular American singer Mary Millben has labeled New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as “radical,” stating that he is on the “wrong path.” She accused Mamdani of embracing a socialist movement that does not reflect American democratic ideals.
Millben made these remarks during an interview, referencing the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). She stated, “He is a radical. This is the nature of the DSA movement. Many involved do not understand how the world works. They do not grasp how America operates, and certainly, they do not comprehend how New York functions.”
Her comments were in response to questions regarding Mamdani’s remarks opposing the visit of Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to New York. Bhagwat is scheduled to address a program focused on themes like ‘unity’ and ‘integrity’ on August 29.
Millben emphasized that Mamdani’s criticism should be viewed in the context of his ties to the socialist faction of the Democratic Party. She remarked, “The real issue of contention is Mamdani’s connection to the DSA. This is a democratic socialist organization that is part of the Democratic Party.”
She noted that many of her friends hold elected positions within the Democratic Party but do not support the socialist movement or its agenda. “However, Mamdani has aligned himself with that faction and its agenda,” she added, claiming that this movement is against democracy and religious freedom.
Millben asserted that Mamdani’s comments were aimed not only at Bhagwat but also broadly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “These comments are not solely against the RSS chief but also against Modi and the ideas of religious freedom he represents in India,” she said.
Despite her strong criticism, she acknowledged Mamdani as a talented young politician with a bright future if he changes his direction. “He is a gifted young man. He just has the wrong guidance and is influenced by the wrong people within his own party,” she stated.
Millben expressed her desire for young elected leaders in America to promote the nation’s ideals. However, she believes Mamdani’s political affiliations do not reflect those ideals. “He has been misled. It is unfortunate because I want every young leader and elected representative in America to succeed while promoting the country’s ideals,” she remarked.
She urged Mamdani to reconsider the language he uses in his speeches and the political ideas he associates with. “Hopefully, he will wake up and realize that the ideas he is echoing in recent speeches are a destructive path,” she said. “For now, I can only say that he is on the wrong track. It is sad to see, but not surprising.”
The Democratic Socialists of America describes itself as a political and social organization aimed at creating a more democratic economy. Its members actively participate in electoral politics, labor organizations, and social campaigns, often collaborating with the Democratic Party rather than functioning as a separate national party.
Mary Millben is known among Indian audiences for her performances of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and the hymn ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare.’ She has participated in numerous events connected to India and the Indian diaspora, publicly expressing her support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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