Exclusive | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Guj-Marathi row will not affect polls, says Ujjwal Nikam

Ujjwal Nikam, BJP candidate from North Central. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade

Following a Marathi vs Gujarati controversy in Mumbai this week, the BJP candidate from the North Central constituency addressed its potential impact on votes. He also voiced disappointment regarding Opposition remarks branding him anti-national. mid-day interviewed Ujjwal Nikam, a former public prosecutor, who has garnered national attention since his nomination.

Recently, there has been a controversy regarding Marathi vs. Gujarati sentiments in Ghatkopar. As a Marathi candidate, do you think this will affect you, given that Gujaratis are traditional BJP voters?
This is a minor issue that should not be blown out of proportion. I don't believe it will affect me. Voters who love our country and appreciate Modi ji's work will surely vote for me. This is not about one community; everyone voting should think about our nation.

You've embarked on a new phase as a politician. What has been your initial experience?
They say a wise person should avoid politics, and I've realised the truth in this adage, especially after being unexpectedly attacked by the opposition. Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition, labelled me a traitor. I've spent my life fighting against terrorists and criminals, so I was shocked and disheartened. It was a harsh lesson in politics. However, the support I received from across Maharashtra gave me the courage to kickstart my campaign.

Ujjwal Nikam, BJP candidate from North Central. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade

How do you respond to the allegations against you?
They are all false and baseless. Wadettiwar's allegations are unfounded. The case related to the 26/11 attacks was ongoing during the Congress regime, so why wasn't an inquiry initiated then? Furthermore, Samshuddin Mushrif was never involved in the investigation; his book on Karkare was based on observations and existing information. These allegations disrespect the memories of the 166 victims and echo Pakistan's claims.

Returning to your constituency, how do you plan to conduct your campaign with only 10 days left?
I thank the opposition for raising false allegations, which inadvertently garnered national media attention during my campaign. On a serious note, Lok Sabha polls don't necessitate door-to-door campaigning. The BJP has a robust worker network and a solid plan in place. Since my candidacy was announced, we've been holding rallies across the constituency, with support from workers and leaders of other parties in the coalition.

Your candidacy was announced at the last minute. Do you think more time would have increased your chances of winning?
Even the opposition announced their candidate one day before me, despite having a fixed candidate. Such things happen. Besides, voters are mature and consider various issues before voting.

According to you, what are the key issues in your constituency?
The issues are consistent across the city. In my ward, resettlement and development issues in areas like Airport Colony, Railway properties, Government colony, and Defence Colony require urgent attention. My manifesto aligns with my party's, and we'll adhere to it.

How have people responded to your rallies, especially in slum-dominated areas?
We don't focus on any specific community. Our constituency comprises skyscrapers, chawls, and slums, and we approach every voter equally. We've received positive responses during rallies in various areas like Vile Parle, Bandra West, Golibar Nagar, Saibaba Nagar, and Tilak Nagar. People in chawls have shown faith in Modi ji.

As an advocate, how will your expertise help in parliament?
The extradition law requires some amendments to streamline the process of handing over criminals from one country to another. While we conduct arrests and prosecutions based on evidence, foreign countries have different laws and standards. Alignment is necessary to ensure smooth extradition proceedings.

Following a Marathi vs Gujarati controversy in Mumbai this week, the BJP candidate from the North Central constituency addressed its potential impact on votes. He also voiced disappointment regarding Opposition remarks branding him anti-national. mid-day interviewed Ujjwal Nikam, a former public prosecutor, who has garnered national attention since his nomination.

Recently, there has been a controversy regarding Marathi vs. Gujarati sentiments in Ghatkopar. As a Marathi candidate, do you think this will affect you, given that Gujaratis are traditional BJP voters?
This is a minor issue that should not be blown out of proportion. I don't believe it will affect me. Voters who love our country and appreciate Modi ji's work will surely vote for me. This is not about one community; everyone voting should think about our nation.

You've embarked on a new phase as a politician. What has been your initial experience?
They say a wise person should avoid politics, and I've realised the truth in this adage, especially after being unexpectedly attacked by the opposition. Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition, labelled me a traitor. I've spent my life fighting against terrorists and criminals, so I was shocked and disheartened. It was a harsh lesson in politics. However, the support I received from across Maharashtra gave me the courage to kickstart my campaign.

How do you respond to the allegations against you?
They are all false and baseless. Wadettiwar's allegations are unfounded. The case related to the 26/11 attacks was ongoing during the Congress regime, so why wasn't an inquiry initiated then? Furthermore, Samshuddin Mushrif was never involved in the investigation; his book on Karkare was based on observations and existing information. These allegations disrespect the memories of the 166 victims and echo Pakistan's claims.

Returning to your constituency, how do you plan to conduct your campaign with only 10 days left?
I thank the opposition for raising false allegations, which inadvertently garnered national media attention during my campaign. On a serious note, Lok Sabha polls don't necessitate door-to-door campaigning. The BJP has a robust worker network and a solid plan in place. Since my candidacy was announced, we've been holding rallies across the constituency, with support from workers and leaders of other parties in the coalition.

Your candidacy was announced at the last minute. Do you think more time would have increased your chances of winning?
Even the opposition announced their candidate one day before me, despite having a fixed candidate. Such things happen. Besides, voters are mature and consider various issues before voting.

According to you, what are the key issues in your constituency?
The issues are consistent across the city. In my ward, resettlement and development issues in areas like Airport Colony, Railway properties, Government colony, and Defence Colony require urgent attention. My manifesto aligns with my party's, and we'll adhere to it.

How have people responded to your rallies, especially in slum-dominated areas?
We don't focus on any specific community. Our constituency comprises skyscrapers, chawls, and slums, and we approach every voter equally. We've received positive responses during rallies in various areas like Vile Parle, Bandra West, Golibar Nagar, Saibaba Nagar, and Tilak Nagar. People in chawls have shown faith in Modi ji.

As an advocate, how will your expertise help in parliament?
The extradition law requires some amendments to streamline the process of handing over criminals from one country to another. While we conduct arrests and prosecutions based on evidence, foreign countries have different laws and standards. Alignment is necessary to ensure smooth extradition proceedings.

May 20
Day of polls

Day of polls