Ujjwal Nikam: 5 Facts as BJP Candidate for Mumbai North Central Seat

Ujjwal Nikam, a prominent lawyer, has been involved in several high-profile court cases. In a recent development, he was selected by the BJP as their candidate for the Mumbai North Central constituency, replacing Poonam Mahajan.

Nikam is well-known for his role as the prosecutor in the 26/11 attacks case. The Mumbai North Central constituency in Maharashtra comprises six assembly segments and is scheduled for polls on May 20, with vote counting to take place on June 4.

Nikam was born in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, to lawyer Deorao Madhavrao Nikam and Vimaladevi, a renowned freedom fighter. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and obtained his law degree from SS Maniyar Law College in Jalgaon.

Nikam has played a significant role in several famous court cases. In 1991, he was instrumental in convicting Ravinder Singh for the Kalyan bomb blast.

His career took a major turn in 1993 when he became the public prosecutor for the Mumbai serial blasts case, working in the special court established under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act for over 14 years. Notably, Nikam was the public prosecutor in the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured after the 26/11 attacks.

His successful argument led to Kasab receiving the death penalty. He also served as the prosecutor in the murder case of Pramod Mahajan, who was shot dead by his brother Pravin in April 2006 following a dispute.

As a result of his involvement in the 26/11 case, Nikam was provided with Z-plus security in 2009. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.