India, April 21 -- The New York Mets' poor run this season has turned into a political talking point with some people blaming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the team's struggles.

The idea started as a joke online after Mamdani was seen hugging the Mets' mascots, Mr and Mrs Met at Citi Field on April 9. Since then, fans and commentators have linked that moment to the team's 11-game losing streak.

The idea of a "Mamdani curse" quickly spread, after Fox News host Sean Hannity talked about it. On his show, Hannity showed a clip of Mayor Zohran Mamdani hugging Mr Met and linked it to the Mets' losing streak.

"And by the way, the New York Mets? They are on an 11-game losing streak, including, oh, right after the mayor met and hugged ...