Lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who has been fielded by the BJP from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, on Saturday said the process to extradite accused persons to the country was a long and expensive one and emphasised the need to overcome the problem.

Talking to PTI on the sidelines of his campaign, Ujjwal Nikam also said the foray into politics was the second innings of his life and dubbed it a move from the court of law to that of the people.

“Extradition is a long and expensive process. Foreign courts decide on basis of their law on extradition after assessing and evaluating our evidence. There is need to overcome this. I am studying the issue and will speak more on it,” he said.

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the lawyer-turned-politician said the he had increased India’s stature in the world and that he had plans to roll out several welfare schemes apart from massive betterment in infrastructure.

“Earlier I was working in the court of law. Now I have decided to work for the common man as per the ideology of the BJP. I have joined politics because through it one can do a lot of good for the common man the way PM Modi has been doing for the past 10 years,” he asserted.

“I am only 10 days old in politics. So initially it was difficult but after seeing the love and affection the common man has for the PM, I know they (people) are looking at me to represent them in the next Modi government,” Ujjwal Nikam claimed.

On criticism from some quarters of a few provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which will replace the Indian Penal Code and come into force from July 1, being draconian, Ujjwal Nikam said he would express his views after getting elected, adding that “certain provisions need more attention”.

Ujjwal Nikam said he was touring the constituency and studying its geographical and other issues and asserted rehabilitation of slums in the vicinity of the airport is one needs that needs quick resolution.

“I am getting a great response due to the love people have for the prime minister,” Ujjwal Nikam said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Mumbai:

Renowned lawyer and the BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Mumbai North Central seat Ujjwal Nikam on Thursday said politics is a new challenge and asserted he accepted all kinds of challenges while prosecuting criminal cases.

In an interview to PTI, Mr Nikam (71) said he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party because the stellar work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had enhanced the country’s standing in the world.

“Politics is a new challenge and I will win the confidence of the common man,” he said.

Emphasising he would work to implement the BJP’s manifesto, Mr Nikam said he wanted to participate in the process of making laws in Parliament so that the common’s man faith in democracy is strengthened.

“I would like to amend extradition laws so that more and more criminals are brought to book. I will float what ideas I have and if the party approves, I will work on them,” said Mr Nikam, who appeared as special public prosecutor in some of the country’s most high-profile cases, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, and the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist apprehended after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Speaking about his Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, Mr Nikam said the party chose it for him and added he was trying to learn about issues of its residents and looking for ways to ensure it is solved by the governments in the state and at the Centre.

Asked about his opponent Varsha Gaikwad, who is a sitting MLA and the Congress’ Mumbai unit chief, Mr Nikam said she was a senior politician.

“She is carrying forward her political agenda, while I will do the same for my party. I am confident I will be successful,” Mr Nikam asserted. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)