New York, Jan 1 (NationPress) Zohran Mamdani has officially assumed the role of mayor of New York City during a groundbreaking midnight event held at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan, making history as the first Muslim to govern America’s largest city.

Mamdani placed his hand on a Quran during the swearing-in, marking an unprecedented moment in the city’s political landscape.

“This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani expressed just after taking the oath.

The 34-year-old Democrat was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a significant political ally, at the historic City Hall subway station, one of the original stops on the city’s first underground line.

The ceremony backdrop, known for its beautifully arched ceilings and historical importance, featured Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, holding the Quran during the oath.

Later that day, Mamdani will be sworn in again in a larger public ceremony at City Hall at 1 p.m. local time.

This event will be conducted by US Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Mamdani’s political inspirations, followed by a public block party organized by the new administration.

The celebrations will take place along a section of Broadway known as the “Canyon of Heroes,” a traditional site for ticker-tape parades.

After the ceremonies, Mamdani and his wife will transition from their one-bedroom, rent-stabilized apartment in an outer borough to the official mayoral residence in Manhattan.

He now embarks on what is considered one of the most challenging roles in American politics, stepping into the spotlight as one of the most scrutinized political figures in the nation.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1991, Mamdani is the child of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar-activist Mahmood Mamdani.

His life journey illustrates the blend of various diasporas. Besides being the first Muslim mayor in New York City, he is also the first mayor of South Asian descent, the first to be born in Africa, and at 34, the youngest individual to occupy this office in decades.

Mamdani's family relocated to New York City when he was seven, growing up in the city amid the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, a time when many Muslims felt marginalized.

He became an American citizen in 2018 and engaged in political campaigns for Democratic candidates throughout the city before pursuing elected office himself. In 2020, he secured a seat in the New York State Assembly, representing a district in Queens.

His campaign focused on placing “affordability” at the center of political discussions, as the democratic socialist promised extensive reforms aimed at alleviating the cost of living in one of the world’s priciest cities.