Muslim candidate for New York Mayor, Mamdani, enters temple wearing shoes

Criticism on social media

Joharan Mamdani (center) who went to the temple wearing boots

New York (USA) – Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat candidate, is embroiled in controversy as the 4th November mayoral race in New York City draws near. He is facing criticism on social media for his decision to visit multiple temples while wearing shoes. Mamdani, as per media reports, is currently under investigation for his conduct during the religious trips, despite having previously taken pleasure in his “Hindu heritage.”

“Hindus for Zohran. Deer for Leopard. US Politicians quip that only thing Indian Americans ask in exchange for their support is a selfie. They didn’t even ask him to remove his shoes inside the Temple,” one person wrote on X sharing Mamdani’s picture from a temple.

🚨 Muslim Candidate for New York Mayor Enters Temple Wearing Shoes ahead of the Nov 4 election

🕌 Zohraan Mamdani, Democratic candidate for NYC Mayor, entered a Hindu temple with shoes on — sparking outrage after photos & videos went viral.

👩‍👦 Parents: filmmaker Mira Nair &… pic.twitter.com/BrTWyxrFBx

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 9, 2025

Mamdani’s views on Hinduism

Hailing 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.

Zohran Mamdani faces heat

Meanwhile, several netizens reacted to the post, with one saying: “Most disturbed by the fact that he’s wearing shoes inside.” Critics commented, “Muslims don’t wear shoes in mosques, yet he walks around in a temple wearing them.”