Ajmal Kasab trial to Pramod Mahajan murder case: Coveted prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam now in BJP corner

Of the myriad cases thatUjjwal Nikam has handled, one is that of the murder of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, whose daughter Poonam, a two-time MP, was replaced by the public prosecutor as the BJP nominee from Mumbai North Central constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Nikam has to his name several prominent cases that drew the media’s attention. Known most prominently as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case in the trial against Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, Nikam has been sought after, across party lines, for many years to represent Maharashtra in crucial cases. This led him to be appointed in many cases, including the 2011 triple blasts, Shakti Mills gangrape cases, the Kopardi and Ahmednagar rape and murder cases.

“I have known Poonamji as I represented the state during the trial of her father’s murder. I had seen how hard-working she was during the case. She has so much experience…I hope to get her assistance as I represent the constituency,”  Nikam told the media on Saturday immediately after his nomination as the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha candidate.

About his decision to join a political party, after over three decades as a lawyer, Nikam said he knew it was a big responsibility but one that he was ready to face.

“It is premature to speak on the topics I will campaign for but I will try to understand the issues faced by people, especially in Mumbai North Central, and try to represent them in the Lok Sabha. I have represented Maharashtra in many important cases and I will ensure that I continue to raise my voice against those who are against the nation. I want to ensure that the poor get access to justice,” said Nikam.

For now, sounding more like a lawyer than an aspirant