Union Minister meets BJP's Ujjwal Nikam, predicts his 'huge' victory

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday met 26/11 prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam who has been fielded by the BJP from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat. He asserted that Nikam would win the constituency by a "huge margin".

Addressing a press conference, Athawale praised Nikam and said he would be a "great asset" in the Lok Sabha.

"We are very happy for Ujjwal Nikam. We have family relations with him. He is a great lawyer and fought several crucial cases. He will be a great asset in the Lok Sabha," said Athawale, the chief of the Republican Party of India (A), an ally of the BJP-led NDA.

"Ujjwal Nikam is going to win this election by a huge margin," he said.

On his part, Nikam said he was thankful to the BJP for believing in him and nominating him for the prestigious seat.

"Today (Sunday) morning, I decided to meet Athawale ji. I have known him for many years. He always wins hearts with his poetry. And I am thankful to all BJP leaders for having faith in me," he said.

Nikam replaced Poonam Mahajan, the daughter of late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan. She won the Mumbai North Central seat in 2014 and 2019.

Interestingly, Nikam was also the prosecutor in the murder case of Pramod Mahajan, who was shot dead by his brother Pravin Mahajan in 2006 following a dispute.

The 26/11 prosecutor will be up against former Maharashtra minister and Congress candidate Varsha Gaikwad, who serves as the president of the party's Mumbai unit.

Voting in the Mumbai North Central seat, along with other constituencies in the city, will be held in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 20. Results are expected to be declared on June 4.