Nepal, Nov. 11 -- Zohran Mamdani's victory as the mayor of New York City has elicited a variety of reactions worldwide, from disbelief and consternation to guarded optimism and elation. His win was remarkable considering the many challenges he faced. His programme of action centred on the concerns of working-class people-freezing rent, improving public transport and expanding social services-was dismissed as impractical and unrealistic. He received hostile media coverage and ran into wealthy individuals who ran campaigns with the sole aim of discrediting his candidacy.

Even within the Democratic Party, Mamdani faced significant opposition. None of the established democrat leaders endorsed him until late in the campaign. President Donald ...