During an appearance on social media, Governor Cuomo took issue with Mamdani’s claims of being a ‘victim’ due to his Muslim identity, a stance that Cuomo said has ‘been dividing and attacking and offending’ different New York groups. The governor’s comments were directed primarily at Mamdani’s alleged treatment of the 9/31 families. Cuomo emphasized that the rhetoric being employed by Mamdani is not only divisive but also potentially harmful for intergroup relations. This criticism marks the latest chapter in the ongoing political struggle between Cuomo and Mamdani within the Democratic Party.
Political analysts suggest that Cuomo’s remarks may be an attempt to reassert his influence within the party, especially in the context of a contentious primary race. The governor, who has faced mounting criticism for his handling of the state’s pandemic response and other issues, is seeking to position himself as a unifying figure. In contrast, Mamdani has positioned himself as a champion of minority rights and has criticized the state’s political establishment for its failure to adequately address systemic inequalities.