Noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally informed him of the nomination in a phone call conducted in Marathi. Speaking to the media, Nikam recalled receiving the call around 8:44 p.m. on Saturday, during which the Prime Minister asked whether he should speak in Marathi or Hindi. Nikam responded by acknowledging the Prime Minister’s command over both languages, after which the conversation continued in Marathi. He highlighted that PM Modi often begins public speeches in Maharashtra with Marathi, a gesture he considers significant in building local rapport.
Nikam described the nomination as a recognition of his decades-long service in the legal field. As one of the country’s most prominent public prosecutors, he is best known for his role in several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the 1993 Bombay bombings, and numerous other complex criminal trials. Reflecting on his legal career, Nikam credited national leadership for their support during critical investigations, particularly referencing cooperation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in securing testimony from David Headley, which played a pivotal role in exposing Pakistan’s involvement in the 2008 attacks.
Despite an unsuccessful electoral bid in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North Central as a BJP candidate, Nikam expressed gratitude for the continued trust shown by the party in nominating him to the Rajya Sabha. He noted that this nomination brings with it an enhanced responsibility and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development from the Upper House.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had late Saturday night issued a notification confirming the nomination of four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(3) of the Constitution, which allows the President to nominate persons with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Alongside Nikam, the nominees include former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala-based BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master.
