Garbage woes persist
Garbage piled up at black spots and irregular waste collection have become common across Ponda. Residents say poor segregation and delays in disposal have led to a constant foul smell, especially in the main market square. “It’s not just about cleanliness ” it’s also about health,” said a trader in the town centre, echoing a common concern.
Opposition leaders have accused the government of neglecting sanitation, often calling for modern waste management systems in their speeches. Civic activists also say the lack of a long-term plan has forced the town to rely on temporary fixes, putting the issue firmly on the election agenda.
Power cuts test residents
Frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations continue to disrupt daily life, especially during the summer. Small business owners say outages lead to losses, while students preparing for exams struggle to cope. Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which held a rally on Wednesday addressed by its national chief Arvind Kejriwal in support of candidate Gitesh Naik, said Ponda has been neglected for years.
Kejriwal highlighted his party’s promise of uninterrupted and free electricity, criticising the BJP for failing to meet this basic need.
Congress leaders, who are also campaigning actively, say residents regularly raise these everyday issues during door-to-door visits.
The ruling BJP has promised infrastructure upgrades. Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar of the MGP has said several projects are under way to improve supply. However, residents say they are yet to see results.
Traders in the busy market area said even short outages affect refrigeration and lighting, hurting their income. For many, power supply has become a symbol of poor governance.
Healthcare under pressure
Public healthcare in Ponda remains stretched, with a shortage of doctors and limited emergency services forcing many patients to travel to Goa Medical College in Bambolim or the South Goa District Hospital in Margao for treatment.
“We lose precious time in emergencies,” said a resident of Panditwada.
All major parties ” BJP, Congress and AAP ” have promised to improve staffing and facilities, especially at the sub-district hospital (formerly ID Hospital), making healthcare a key campaign issue.
Health workers admit that resources are limited, and residents say they want clear action rather than vague promises.
With polling day nearing, these civic issues appear to be shaping voter opinion more than party loyalties. Observers say the by-election is becoming a test of who can offer practical solutions to everyday problems.
As one local commentator put it: “This election is less about ideology and more about accountability.”
For Ponda’s voters, the choice will depend not just on promises, but on hopes for cleaner streets, reliable power and better healthcare, along with the usual factors such as caste, religion and political alliances.
