The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a significant move in Maharashtra's political landscape by nominating Ujjwal Nikam, the renowned Special Public Prosecutor who spearheaded the legal battle in the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attack case, as its candidate from the Mumbai North Central constituency. This decision replaces the incumbent Member of Parliament, Poonam Mahajan, from the constituency.
Nikam, an esteemed advocate, has been instrumental in representing the state in various high-profile cases, notably including the 1993 Mumbai blasts case and the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai. Nikam, known for his expertise in handling high-profile cases, including the Mumbai terror attack, will be contesting against Varsha Gaikwad of the Congress party.
Notably, Poonam Mahajan, who entered politics after the demise of her father Pramod Mahajan in 2006, has been a prominent figure in Maharashtra's political arena. She secured victories in the Mumbai North Central constituency in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2014, Mahajan secured victory over incumbent MP Priya Dutt, daughter of the late actor and Congress leader Sunil Dutt.
Ujjwal Nikam expressed his gratitude at his nomination, describing it as a "pleasant surprise." Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "Indeed it is a very pleasant and surprising moment for me. I was practicing against criminals, now God has given me the second inning in the new temple of democracy, i.e., the Parliament."
He emphasised that he doesn't view politics as a mere battle but as a means of social service and national contribution. "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," he added.
Addressing a press conference, Nikam extended his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra 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...The constituency from where I have been told to contest is a very important constituency of Mumbai. This has been represented by late Manohar Joshi, Ramdas Athawale and Poonam Mahajan. These people have always raised questions in Parliament in the national interest," he remarked, as quoted by ANI.
In the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has nominated Varsha Gaikwad as its candidate from the Mumbai North Central constituency. Poonam Mahajan became a Member of Parliament from this seat after defeating Priya Dutt of the Congress party in the 2014 and 2019 elections.
ALSO READ | Who Is Ujjwal Nikam? BJP Candidate For Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha Seat Replacing 2-Time MP Poonam Mahajan
Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 2 Turnout In Maharashtra
The recent Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra's eight constituencies witnessed a voter turnout of 56.42 per cent. The voting process, conducted peacefully, was marred by minor incidents such as the damaging of an electronic voting machine (EVM) in Rampuri, Nanded, allegedly by a disgruntled voter.
Maharashtra's political landscape is further enlivened by direct contests between various parties in constituencies such as Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim, and Hingoli. These contests reflect the shifting alliances and emerging political dynamics in the state.
With Maharashtra boasting 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, the upcoming phases of voting will continue to shape the political trajectory of the state. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 out of 23 seats. The undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), part of the opposition alliance, contested 19 seats and won four.