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NYC's Socialist Vigilante: Anil Singh's Rise from Engineer to Activist

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 10:27 GMT by ThePrint
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You Only Live Once, But Can Vote Twice: NYC’s Socialist Vigilante

In the bustling streets of New York City, where a kaleidoscope of cultures and political movements intersect, a new kind of civic engagement has taken root. “You Only Live Once, But Can Vote Twice,” a recent feature in The Print’s Last Laughs column, chronicles the rise of an enigmatic figure who has earned the moniker “NYC’s Socialist Vigilante.” The story follows the journey of an immigrant from the Indian subcontinent who has become a vocal champion for the underrepresented, blending grassroots activism with a sharp, unapologetic critique of capitalism, all while navigating the complexities of American politics.

The Man Behind the Title

At the center of the narrative is Anil Singh, a 38‑year‑old Delhi native who arrived in New York in 2010 with a degree in civil engineering and a passion for social justice. After a stint as a project manager for a multinational construction firm, Singh grew disillusioned by the widening wealth gap he witnessed on the city’s skyline. The article reveals that a turning point came when he saw the plight of undocumented workers in the Lower East Side and the stark reality of gentrification in Brooklyn. “I realized that if I could use my skills to organize, I could make a real difference,” Singh said in a candid interview.

The print article, which draws heavily on Singh’s own words, illustrates his progression from a silent observer to a vocal activist. He joined the Socialist Party USA (SPUSA) in 2013, an organization that “advocates for democratic socialism and labor rights in the United States.” The feature includes a link to the SPUSA website, where readers can see the party’s charter and a brief history of its involvement in American politics.

Activism in Action

The bulk of the article is devoted to Singh’s most notable campaigns. In 2015, he helped organize a “Day of Action” protest at the headquarters of a major real‑estate developer accused of pushing out low‑income tenants in Queens. According to the piece, the protest turned into a powerful demonstration when thousands of residents joined in, chanting slogans such as “No to Rent Hikes, Yes to Affordable Housing.” The event, which the article says was covered by The New York Times (link included), ended with the developer offering to halt rent increases pending a community review.

The piece also documents Singh’s role in a more recent initiative: a coalition of immigrant rights groups that successfully campaigned for the passage of a city ordinance granting city workers the right to unionize more easily. The print article links to a PDF of the ordinance, giving readers a look at the actual legislative text and the provisions that were most contested. Readers learn how Singh’s background in engineering helped him break down complex policy into understandable language for the coalition’s supporters.

The “Vigilante” Label

Why has Singh been dubbed a “vigilante?” The article explains that the label stems from his unorthodox tactics: door‑to‑door canvassing, public sit‑ins, and the use of social media to galvanize quick, grassroots action. His most polarizing act, as recounted in the print piece, involved a “surprise raid” on a corporation’s office in Manhattan to demand transparency in the company’s executive pay. Singh’s group handed out flyers detailing the disparities between top executives and average employees, sparking a media frenzy that eventually led to a corporate policy review.

Readers also learn that the “vigilante” nickname has not been universally embraced. Some critics argue that his tactics cross legal lines, especially during the “surprise raid.” A brief excerpt from an opinion column in The Wall Street Journal (linked in the print article) presents the counterpoint, warning that vigilante actions can undermine the rule of law. Singh, however, insists that his work is driven by a moral imperative to rectify injustices that the system often overlooks.

The Dual Vote

One of the most compelling themes in the article is the notion that “you only live once, but can vote twice.” This phrase captures Singh’s belief that while individual lives are finite, civic engagement—especially voting—offers a chance to shape future generations. The print piece details his involvement in both local and national campaigns. At the municipal level, he helped coordinate a voter‑registration drive in Brooklyn’s predominantly immigrant neighborhoods ahead of the 2020 election. At the national level, Singh was active in the 2022 mid‑term primaries, where he worked closely with the Socialist Party USA’s slate of candidates, pushing for a platform that included universal healthcare and free public college.

The article links to a video of Singh’s speech at a 2022 town hall, where he urged citizens to “take advantage of every ballot.” The footage shows a charismatic speaker engaging with a diverse crowd, explaining how voting can influence policies on affordable housing, workers’ rights, and climate justice. Singh’s message is clear: civic participation is not just a duty but a powerful tool for collective change.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

Beyond the high‑profile protests, the print feature highlights Singh’s quieter, yet no less important, work. He co‑found a community garden in the Bronx that supplies fresh produce to local food banks, thereby addressing both food insecurity and community cohesion. The article links to a local nonprofit’s website that documents the garden’s progress and the families it has helped.

In the closing section, Singh reflects on the future of socialist activism in the United States. “We’re at a crossroads,” he says. “The question is whether we can sustain momentum while staying within the legal framework.” He calls for increased collaboration among progressive groups, suggesting that a unified front can push for deeper systemic reforms.

Conclusion

“You Only Live Once, But Can Vote Twice” offers a nuanced portrait of a man who refuses to accept the status quo. Through a blend of legal acumen, community organizing, and a willingness to confront powerful institutions, Anil Singh exemplifies the potential of socialist activism to reshape urban life. The article not only chronicles his past achievements but also invites readers to consider their own civic responsibilities. In an age where political polarization often stifles constructive dialogue, Singh’s story serves as a reminder that one can still be vigilant, informed, and hopeful for a more equitable future—while remembering that the power to vote remains a vital lifeline.