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Did Zohran Mamdani really enter temples in shoes during NYC campaign? Here's the truth
Social media posts alleged that Zohran Mamdani entered Hindu temples while wearing shoes, here's what actually happened.
Zohran Mamdani, the charismatic but polarizing Democratic front-runner in the New York mayoral race, found himself in the spotlight on social media for the wrong reasons as several users alleged that the New York State Assembly member entered Hindu temples during his campaign wearing shoes, a move they called disrespectful to temple customs.
What actually happened
The organisers of Mamdani’s temple visits have refuted the claim, saying the photo was taken outside the sanctum area, where shoes are still permitted. A volunteer group, Hindus for Zohran, released additional pictures showing Mamdani barefoot during prayers and clarified that he removed his shoes before entering the temple.
Their statement called the circulating posts “factually incorrect” and said the images being shared online were taken out of context.
What are Mamdani's views on Hinduism?
Mamdani said earlier this week that he is honored to serve as this city's first Indian-American mayor. He further mentioned that he “grew up with a keen understanding of what Hinduism means, and those traditions and values, whether it’s Raksha Bandhan or Diwali, have taught me so much about the values I hold dear today.”
Mamdani also talked about how his family and their customs helped him develop a strong feeling of pride in his Indian-American origins.
How is the New York mayoral race shaping up?
The 2025 New York City mayoral race has become one of the most closely watched in recent history. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and State Assembly member from Queens, emerged as a surprising frontrunner after a decisive victory in the Democratic primary.
His platform includes proposals for rent freezes, free public transportation, and increased taxes on the wealthy to fund social services. Mamdani's rise has been fueled by a robust social media campaign that resonates with younger voters and progressive activists. His viral videos and direct engagement on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have garnered significant attention.
The race took a significant turn when incumbent Mayor Eric Adams announced his withdrawal from the race, leaving Mamdani to face former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
How Mamdani turned social media into his campaign’s secret weapon
Mamdani’s social media campaign has been one of the most distinctive elements of his mayoral run. His posts, often a blend of humour, policy clarity, and personal candour, have helped him connect with younger voters and immigrant communities across New York. From short, conversational videos explaining rent reform to behind-the-scenes glimpses of neighbourhood walks, his content stands out for its authenticity and creative storytelling.
Political observers have credited his team for using digital platforms not just to promote a candidate but to build a movement, turning engagement into grassroots momentum. His videos and posts regularly attract hundreds of thousands of views, drawing praise for their originality and emotional resonance even from those outside his ideological base.
(This story has been updated to reflect the statement from the organisers of Mamdani’s temple visits.)
