X: @the_news_21
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly considering fielding senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam from the Mumbai North-Central seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This strategic move, aimed at securing a strong foothold in the general assembly polls, is part of the BJP’s plan to introduce fresh faces rather than relying on incumbents.
The Mumbai North-Central Lok Sabha constituency has been a focal point for the BJP, with Poonam Mahajan serving as a prominent figure for the past two terms. However, reports suggest that Mahajan’s performance has raised concerns within the party, prompting them to explore alternative candidates. If confirmed, Nikam’s candidacy could bolster the BJP’s position in Mumbai North-Central, a constituency it has controlled for the past decade but witnessed a decline in vote share in the 2019 elections.
Polling in Mumbai North-Central is scheduled for May 20, adding urgency to the BJP’s decision-making process.
Ujjwal Nikam is a renowned senior lawyer renowned for handling sensitive cases, including the infamous 26/11 attacks and the 2006 Khairlanji massacre. His role as the special public prosecutor in the trial of the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks garnered widespread attention, particularly for his instrumental role in securing the conviction of terrorist Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving assailant who was executed in 2012.
Additionally, Nikam played a pivotal role in prosecuting those responsible for the 1993 Bombay bombings, securing convictions for several key conspirators, including Yakub Memon, a mastermind behind the attacks.
Beyond terrorism-related cases, Nikam has been involved in prosecuting numerous high-profile cases, including serial killers, hardened criminals, and individuals accused of grave offenses. His notable cases include the prosecution of the Pune serial bomb blast case and the sensational BMW hit-and-run case.
