Is Ujjwal Nikam's Rajya Sabha Membership a Honour or Challenge?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ujjwal Nikam sees his Rajya Sabha nomination as a significant milestone.
- He aims to gain national affection while serving.
- Nikam is recognized for his work in high-profile legal cases.
- His transition is crucial for addressing legal reforms.
- The nomination highlights the importance of experienced voices in Parliament.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) Renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who has been appointed to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, stated on Sunday that this appointment represents both an honour and a challenge for him.
Nikam shared with IANS that this event signifies a significant milestone in his personal and professional journey.
“This new role comes with great responsibility. Maharashtra has always showered me with love, but as a member of the Rajya Sabha, I aim to gain the affection of the entire country,” remarked Nikam.
“Receiving a nomination to the Upper House from the President of India is indeed a remarkable achievement,” he expressed, showing appreciation towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Nikam disclosed that he only learned about his nomination today, upon the issuance of the official gazette. “I was unaware until now. However, I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi yesterday. He spoke to me in Marathi and mentioned that the President intended to entrust me with a significant duty,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Nikam remembered his modest beginnings in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. “I hail from a small town and started my legal career there. I first arrived in Mumbai in 1993, and since 2013, I have participated in various high-profile and sensitive trials,” he noted.
“My family has been my cornerstone throughout this lengthy and challenging journey,” he added.
Nikam is widely recognized for spearheading prosecutions in some of India’s most notable terror and criminal cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts.
With this nomination, Nikam moves from the courtroom to the Parliament, bringing decades of legal expertise to the Upper House at a crucial time when legal reforms and justice delivery are pressing national concerns.
Importantly, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Kerala teacher C. Sadanandan Master, and historian Meenakshi Jain, alongside Nikam, were nominated to the Upper House by the President on July 13.