With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) focused on ‘Mission 400’ for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), reports suggest that Mumbai North-Central’s incumbent two-term MP Poonam Mahajan is unlikely to get a ticket, given her past performance. According to sources, senior advocate Ujwal Nikam has expressed interest in contesting from this constituency, with initial discussions already underway with the state leadership of the BJP. However, the BJP is yet to confirm a candidate for the constituency.

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Earlier, actor Madhuri Dixit was approached for the same seat by the party, but she declined. There are also unconfirmed reports that Ashish Shelar has shown limited interest in contesting from this seat. Consequently, the party has been searching for a prominent figure capable of attracting the elite-educated class residing in Bandra West and Vile Parle. According to sources within the Maharashtra BJP, some top leaders of the party in Delhi have also expressed interest in Nikam’s candidacy. Despite News18’s attempts, Nikam was unavailable for a comment.

Nikam’s candidacy could significantly benefit the BJP, given his impeccable reputation and non-controversial image. As a special public prosecutor for several high-profile cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Nikam enjoys a positive perception among the public, making it easier for BJP to sway voters and potentially convert those who may not favor the incumbent MP, who has held the constituency for the past decade.

Historically, the Mumbai North-Central constituency was considered a stronghold of the Congress until 2014. However, in the Modi wave of 2014, Mahajan won her first election from this constituency and retained it in 2019. Additionally, the Shiv Sena has also represented this constituency in the past, with leaders like Vidyadhar Gokhale in 1989, Narayan Athawle in 1996, and Manohar Joshi in 1999 winning on the party’s tickets.