Goa plunged into shock and grief in the early hours of Friday when the news broke out that Ponda’s dynamic lead er, Dr Ketan Bhatikar, had passed away after a snakebite at Anmod Ghat while on his way to Goa. It was an unfor-tunate tragedy that a venomous snake bit Bhatikar when he bent over to pick up his fallen cell phone during his brief halt along the roadside.
Bhatikar was never a legislator; he lost two elections - one in Panaji and another in Ponda. But the way his death shook the State spoke volumes of his stature and character. Bhatikar was a respected physiotherapist, a helpful social worker, and a promising political leader, traits that gave him an unwavering popularity. His fierce pitch during the COVID pandemic in taking up people’s issues was a hallmark. It was for this political image and ground appeal that the Congress chose him ahead of their loyal party leader, Rajesh Verenkar, to contest the Ponda by-poll, which was subsequently cancelled after a High Court challenge. Bhatikar had contested as an MGP candidate in the 2024 Assembly election and had narrowly lost to Ravi Naik by a slender margin. On a complex political canvas, Bhatikar took up the challenge to fight the BJP-MGP combine, which was riding on the legacy of former minister Ravi Naik, taken forward by his son Ritesh Naik at the by- poll. The confidence and energy Bhatikar exuded was commendable because he was fighting one of the toughest electoral battles with an opposition space that was virtually playing hide-and-seek. And the respect he commanded was reflected in his outreach, where people cut across party lines and even side-stepped affiliations of legacy. The utpouring of emotions outside his residence said it all. By evening, thousands of people gathered outside the leader’s residence, many travelling long distances for a final farewell. The crowd swelled, filling the surroundings with an unmistakable sense of grief.
Some stood quietly with folded hands, others broke down emotionally as memories came rushing back. There was sorrow, but also deep affection in the way people paid homage. It did not feel like a routine farewell. The mood carried the weight of a personal loss, as though a familiar voice that had long been part of people’s lives had suddenly fallen silent. His death is not only a tragedy but also a stark reminder of the uncertainty of lives and the gaps in emergency healthcare, especially in remote areas. Also, it is a telling reminder of how uncertain and unforgiving public life can be, particularly for those who spend their days among people addressing issues. It also brings into focus the immense physical and emotional strain carried by politicians and social workers who often place public duty above personal well-being. Call it a coincidence or destiny, Ponda has witnessed the deaths of thr ee political leaders in the past 15 months. Earlier, former MLA Lavoo Mamledar died in Belagavi on February 15, 2025, followed by the death of veteran leader and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik on October 15, 2025. A strange and emotional coincidence linked to the Ponda Assembly constituency has become the subject of widespread discussion across Goa, after three prominent political figures associated with the constituency passed away on the 15th day of different months over the last 15 months.
As Goa mourns the loss of Bhatikar, it also remembers the energy, commitment, promise and confidence he brought to public life. In current times of political chaos and unpredictability, Bhatikar’s leadership will remain like a beacon of hope. He may have lost elections, but he proved to be a fighter for public causes till his last day. Rest in peace, Bhatikar.
