Who Is Ujjwal Nikam, 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Case Prosecutor And BJP's Pick For Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha Seat

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday declared prominent advocate Ujjwal Nikam as its candidate from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, dropping sitting MP Poonam Mahajan. Nikam is famous for his role as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial, which led to the hanging of terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Nikam has represented the State in several other high-profile cases as well. The Mumbai North Central constituency, which has been represented by two-term MP Poonam Mahajan since 2014, is scheduled to go to the polls on May 20. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

Ujjwal Nikam is pitted against Congress candidate Varsha Gaikwad. His career as an advocate took a defining turn when he became the public prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. Interestingly, Nikam was also the prosecutor in the case pertaining to the murder of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, Poonam's father. Following the BJP's declaration of his candidacy, Nikam expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda and the leadership of Maharashtra unit of the party for entrusting him with the "responsibility".

Who Is Ujjwal Nikam?

- Ujjwal Nikam is a second-generation lawyer who was born in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra on March 30, 1953. His father, Deoraoji Nikam, was also a lawyer.

- Besides a law degree, Ujjwal Nikam also holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

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- Nikam played a major role in the 1991 trial that led to the conviction of Ravinder Singh for his role in the Kalyan bomb blast.

- In 1993, Nikam was appointed the public prosecutor for the Mumbai serial blasts case. The trial lasted for almost 14 years, resulting in the conviction of dozens of accused.

- Nikam rose to public fame after Ajmal Kasab was handed the death sentence for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

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- The advocate was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2016.

- Nikam was also involved in the trial peratining to the murder of film producer and T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar.

- He also argued on behalf of the State in the murder case of former union minister Pramod Mahajan.