Mamdani takes the oath of office as mayor of New York City in an abandoned subway station – photo

Zoran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City shortly after midnight in a private ceremony in an abandoned subway station, writes The Guardian.

This was a prelude to a full day of celebrations that will include the second public swearing-in and a party at the city council.

The new mayor was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James in the presence of his family.

"Being sworn in as Mayor of the City of New York, and doing so here at the old subway station near City Hall, is a testament to the importance of public transportation to the vitality, health, and heritage of our city," Mamdani said.

Mamdani then announced and welcomed the city's new transportation commissioner, Mike Flynn, an experienced urban planner.

Mamdani also said he wants to make New York's public transportation network "the envy of the world."

The ceremony was also attended by former Mayor Eric Adams, who said he "would have liked to have been there to demonstrate a smooth and peaceful transition of power."

To honor his Muslim faith, Mamdani took the oath of office using the Quran, becoming the first mayor of New York City to do so, according to The New York Times.

To succeed in office, Mamdani will need to involve his supporters, who helped him win a landslide election victory, in day-to-day governance, which is not as exciting as a high-stakes political race, notes BBC.