On Thursday, January 15, 2026, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin named Indian American Councilman Shekar Krishnan, the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations, considered by some as the City Council’s most powerful committee to investigate matters that affect New Yorkers.
Councilman Shekar, in his statement responding to the appointment, said he had fough for the last four years, in the interests of immigrant neighbors, workers and families. He said he had taken on Uber and Lyft to protect drivers from exploitation, and fought to minimize the impact of former Mayor Eric Adams’ “anti-immigrant” agenda, as well as for health meals for studentsm Parks workers and tenants.
“Being Oversight and Investigations Chair means that we can take on even more fights to protect and stand up for New Yorkers – holding anyone or anything that tries to take advantage of New Yorkers accountable,” Krishnan said in a Jan. 17, 2026 email mass-mailing.
Saying he was honored to have been entrusted with the office, and that he would “fight to restore trust in our city government and prove to New Yorkers that the City Council fights for you.”
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Krishnan has also been named to Speaker Menin’s Leadership Committee and Budget Negotiations Team.
In addition, he will also be a member of several committees, including Eduction; Parks and Recreation; Rules, Standards, and Ethics; Taskforce to Combat Hate,; Consumer and Worker Protection; and Transportation and Infrastructure.
Krishnan recalled initiatives he had fought for in his previous years as Chair of the Parks and Reacreation Committee.
“We’ve accomplished big things these past four years, and I promise we will take this momentum into chairing the Oversight and Investigations Committee.”
Krishnan encouraged constituents to reach out to him by calling (718) 803-6373, emailing at krishnan@council.nyc.gov, or come in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM through 5 PM at 37-32 75th Street, 1st Floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.