34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, an assemblyman from Queens, New York, has created history and achieved a great feat by becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of New York City. But soon after his victory there was a stir in politics. Republican leader Elise Stefanik, close to Donald Trump, has announced her candidacy for the New York gubernatorial election to be held in 2026 and many political experts are seeing this as a preparation to remove Mamdani from the post.

Stefanik made this allegation on Mayor Mamdani
Stefanik made very aggressive statements after Mamdani’s victory. He called New York ‘America’s most expensive state’ and described current Governor Kathy Hocul as ‘America’s worst governor.’ Targeting Mamdani, he even called him ‘antisemite, jihadi and communist’. It is noteworthy that Hokul had supported Mamdani in the elections, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo had contested against him as an independent candidate.

What if Stefanik wins?
There is a rare but powerful provision in the New York State Constitution, under which the Governor can remove any mayor from office. If Stefanik wins in 2026, she can use this right to try to remove Mamdani.

According to the New York City Charter, the Governor can make allegations against the Mayor and send him a notice. The mayor will be given full opportunity to defend himself. The Governor can also suspend him for 30 days during the investigation. In case the mayor is removed, the city may have to hold a special election within 90 days. This power was last used in 1932, when Franklin Roosevelt removed the Manhattan sheriff.

Even the court cannot stop the Governor’s decision
According to state law, such a decision of the Governor cannot be challenged in court. Recently, Politico had reported that if necessary, Governor Hokul could also remove New York Mayor Eric Adams with the same authority.

Stefanik vs Hokul: a close contest in the survey
In the Manhattan Institute survey, Stefanik got 43% support and Hokul got 42% support, but in some other polls Hokul was seen ahead. That means the contest is going to be very close. Stefanik is a Harvard graduate and in 2014, at the age of 30, was among America’s youngest lawmakers. She was initially a centrist Republican, but later became a key ally of Donald Trump and created a new identity as a firebrand ‘MAGA’ leader. She said, ‘I am running to make New York safe and affordable. Our great state needs leadership of the new generation.

Mamdani’s victory changed the political equation of New York
Mamdani’s victory is not only historic but also indicates a new direction in New York politics, but after Stefanik’s entry in the governor race, it is clear that in the coming two years, there will be a sharp confrontation in New York politics and the center of it will be Zoharan Mamdani, who has now become the first Muslim mayor of the country’s most powerful municipality.

There has been a big statement of the Democrat candidate Johran Mamdani for the post of Mayor from New York City about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani has said that if he is elected, he will get Netanyahu arrested as soon as he enters New York city.

In an interview to The New York Times, Mammadani said, “This is a task that I want to complete.” However, the US does not recognize the rights of the International Criminal Court (ICC) nor does it recognize their rights. Mamdani has clarified that he will honor the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court and get him (Netanyahu) arrested after catching him at the airport.
What did Mamdani say?

In the arrest warrant, Netanyahu has been accused of war crime and crime against humanity in Gaza Strip. Mamdani said, “My wish is to make sure that it should be a city that stands for international law.”

New York is the second largest house of Jews

Let us know that New York is the second largest house in the Jews and if he implemented his plan, he will have to face heavy opposition, especially when he refused to condemn the slogan “Glogan” Intefada “, which is a Jewish slogan. This slogan calls for international solidarity with Palestinian resistance.

Is Netanyahu’s arrest possible?

Apart from this, Netanyahu’s arrest may be a violation of the federal law and also seems to be practically impossible, as the arrest of Netanyahu must be violated to the city or state law. Even if any criminal allegations are made against them, they will be exempted as the President (Prime Minister).

Mamdani said that this is a case for which he cannot look at the federal government. This is a moment when cities and states have to show what it is really to stand for your values ​​and your people.

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