Overview
- Hindustan Times and Times Now published fact-checks on Nov. 19–20 that found no basis for the viral mandate claim.
- The rumor gained traction on X through high-visibility accounts, including Polymarket and Derrick Evans.
- Many posts were satirical or labeled as unconfirmed, yet the narrative still drew ridicule and confusion online.
- Mamdani has announced no such education policy, and reporting instead highlights proposals like free city buses, a rent freeze and universal childcare.
- The claim has circulated since at least Nov. 7 and continues to be corrected as users note what “Arabic numerals” actually means.