BJP fields Ujjwal Nikam, who fought 26/11 case, from Mumbai North Central, drops Poonam Mahajan

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (April 27) released its 15th list of candidates for the Lok Sabha Elections and fielded prominent legal scholar Ujjwal Deorao Nikam from the Mumbai North Central seat, dropping the sitting MP Poonam Mahajan. Nikam will be up against Congress' Varsha Gaikwad in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 20. Advocate Ujjwal Nikam has fought 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case for the government among many important cases.

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray's 'Matoshree' is located in the constituency where his party is strong. BJP MP Poonam Mahajan won from the seat with over 1 lakh votes, however, the party did not nominate her for the third time.

Who is Ujjwal Nikam?

He has represented the state in several important and high profile cases including the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, terror attack in Mumbai in 2008. He argued successfully for the state government and got death penalty or life imprisonment for the terrorists. The BJP has decided to bring him into the fray on a tough constituency in Mumbai.

Nikam has played a huge part in ensuring a death penalty for the Mumbai terror attack terrorist Ajmal Kasab and 1993 Mumbai serial blasts terrorist. He also took part in the murder case of senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan.

What did Nikam say on announcement of his name?

Reacting to his candidature from Mumbai North Central, Nikam said that he has entered the fray only to strengthen democracy.

"It is a propaganda that the Constitution will be changed. It can only be amended. I have entered the fray only to strengthen democracy," he said while speaking to India TV.

Earlier, he said that he has received the opportunity to serve the nation through politics.

"For years, you saw me fighting against the accused in court. But today, BJP has given me the responsibility for which I am thankful to PM Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekar Bawankule, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar. I know that politics is not for me but through you, I would like to tell everyone that the country's Constitution, laws and security would be my priorities," he said.

"I don't consider politics a fight. Social service can be done through politics. Service to the nation can also be done through politics. I will adopt this new funda. I have received the opportunity to serve the nation, through politics. So, I consider myself fortunate..." Nikam added.

BJP reacts

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Mumbai North, Piyush Goyal said that Nikam will raise his voice against terrorism in the Parliament.

"It's a proud moment for all of us that Ujjwal Nikam will raise the voice of his fight against terrorism, in the Parliament now and will work with us towards the PM Modi's vision of eliminating terrorism from its roots. Poonam Mahajan is our sister. Whatever party decides for us and gives the role, we do that with utmost honesty," he said.

How did Poonam Mahajan react on not getting ticket?

Taking to her X account, she thanked the BJP for giving her opportunity to represent the constituency and said that she will continue to dedicate herself for the service of the country.

"Thank you @BJP4India and Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for giving me the opportunity to serve Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha Constituency as an MP for 10 years. I will always be indebted to the family-like people of the area for loving me not only as an MP but also like a daughter, and I hope that this relationship will always remain. My role model, my father Late Pramod Mahajan Ji showed me the path of 'Nation first, then us'. I pray to God that I can follow the same path throughout my life. Every moment of my life will always be dedicated to the service of this country," she posted on X.

Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat

In 2014, Poonam Mahajan secured victory from the Mumbai North Central seat, triumphing over incumbent MP Priya Dutt, daughter of the late actor and Congress leader Sunil Dutt. Poonam repeated this success in 2019 as well. The State, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the Lower House of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh.

Mumbai North-Central will go to poll on May 20 and the counting of votes will take place on June 4.