In a significant political move, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced eminent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as its candidate for the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra.
Renowned for his role as the public prosecutor in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks, Nikam’s nomination marks the replacement of incumbent MP Poonam Mahajan from the seat.
Nikam gained prominence for his pivotal role as the prosecutor in high-profile cases, including the Mumbai 26/11 attacks and the murder case of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, Poonam Mahajan’s father.
Poonam Mahajan, who had been elected from the Mumbai North Central constituency in 2014 and 2019, served as the president of the BJP’s youth wing. The decision to drop her as the candidate reportedly stemmed from organizational feedback, according to sources cited by news agency PTI.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Nikam thanked Prime Minister Modi, BJP Chief JP Nadda, Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekar Bawankule, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar.
It is reported that India’s Union Minister Piyush Goyal supported the party’s decision to nominate Nikam, stating that it is a proud moment for the BJP to choose someone who will speak out against terrorism and work in alignment with PM Modi’s vision of eradicating it from its roots.
Nikam was awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India in 2016. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the country’s Constitution, laws, and security, asserting that despite being new to politics, he would prioritize the welfare of the constituency.
Mumbai North Central, a historically significant constituency, has been represented by notable figures such as late Manohar Joshi, Ramdas Athawale, and Poonam Mahajan, all known for their active participation in parliamentary debates.
The nomination of Nikam comes amidst preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for 20 May 2024 in Mumbai.
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