PANAJI: With the deadline for filing nominations for the Ponda by-election now closed, all three major parties have officially entered the fray, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in the constituency.
BJP candidate Ritesh Naik filed his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, state president Damodar Naik, and senior leaders, including MGP Chief Sudin Dhavalikar and Priol MLA Govind Gaude.
Sawant highlighted the development work carried out under the former Minister and MLA late Ravi Naik and urged voters to continue his vision. “To take forward the vision of late Ravi Naik, once again the people of Ponda will bless the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said. He added that a strong voter turnout on April 9 would secure a decisive win. Dhavalikar also expressed confidence, saying, “This is a traditional constituency where our alliance has consistently won. Working together, our effort will secure a thumping majority.”
Congress candidate Ketan Bhatikar filed his nomination with leaders, including AICC Goa Desk Incharge Manikrao Thakare, LoP Yuri Alemao, MLAs Carlos Ferreira and Altone D’Costa, and GPCC president Amit Patkar, present.
Bhatikar criticized the BJP government’s record and alleged intimidation of opposition workers. “Our campaign will focus on development, development, and development,” he said, pointing to repeated roadworks, electricity issues, and critical deficiencies at the ID Hospital and local blood bank, including missing departments such as neurology, cardiology, and pediatrics. “We are confident that strong local support will carry us to victory,” he added.
AAP candidate Geetesh Naik filed his nomination with MLAs Viegas and Silva, and state president Valmiki Naik. Valmiki urged voters to give the party a chance, saying, “We aim to deliver results within eight months; failure to do so will affect support in the next election.” Geetesh, meanwhile, added that early door-to-door campaigning has been encouraging, with many assuring support.
