BJP, Congress, AAP face off in precursor to 2027 battle
South Goa election officials inspect the strong room and other arrangements for Ponda by-election at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim, on Tuesday.
PANAJI
The campaign for the April 9 bye‑election in Ponda fell silent at 5 pm on Tuesday, bringing to a close a high‑voltage contest that has drawn intense attention from political observers across Goa, given that the next general assembly election is due in less than a year.
Three candidates — Ritesh Naik of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ketan Bhatikar of the Congress and Gitesh Naik of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — are battling for the coveted seat, which had fallen vacant in October last year following the death of sitting Ponda MLA Ravi Naik.
Adding to the suspense is the pending decision of the Bombay High Court on a petition challenging the very notification of the by-poll issued by the Election Commission of India, setting the election process in motion. The High Court is expected to deliver its judgment on Wednesday afternoon.
The ruling BJP opted to field Ritesh Naik, son of the late Ravi Naik, with the intent of cashing in on sympathy for the former chief minister who has been a towering political figure in Ponda for over four decades.
The Congress, on the other hand, nominated Ketan Bhatikar, who joined the party just days prior to his candidature being announced. Bhatikar had finished a close runner‑up to Ravi Naik in the 2022 assembly election while contesting on a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) ticket.
Top leaders from all three parties descended on the constituency on Tuesday for last‑minute canvassing and the contest is being watched closely as a test of strength ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
It has also seen a rare moment of Opposition consolidation of sorts with the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) choosing not to field candidates, instead formally backing the Congress nominee Bhatikar.
Both parties claimed the decision was aimed at avoiding a split in the anti‑BJP vote and strengthening the Opposition’s chances in the constituency and possibly setting the tone for the bigger battle in 2027. AAP, however, declined to join the strategy and fielded its own candidate.
Ground concerns
On the ground in Ponda, meanwhile, residents say their concerns are more immediate. Roads, water supply, garbage management, erratic electricity, and inadequate healthcare dominated conversations through the fortnight of campaigning.
Traders have been complaining of black spots and irregular waste collection that have left the city square near the market reeking. Power cuts and voltage fluctuations are another flashpoint.
AAP leaders, including the party's national chief Arvind Kejriwal, who addressed a rally in the constituency, prominently dealt with the subject.
Congress leaders also highlighted the power supply issues during their campaign outreach, including at door‑to‑door visits.
Ponda's healthcare facilities, under strain due to doctor shortages and limited emergency services, which force families to travel to Bambolim or Margao, were also highlighted. All three parties have pledged to strengthen staffing and facilities at the sub‑district hospital, formerly the ID Hospital.
Traffic chaos, potholes, and irregular water supply add to the list of grievances that were highlighted. Commuters have complained of long delays near the bus stand.
As Thursday's polling day approaches, observers will be keenly watching voter trends and whether the ballot will be cast on their pressing day-to-day issues or party alignments and the larger State-level political climate.
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MARGAO: Election officials led by South Goa District Electoral Officer Egna Cleetus carried out a detailed inspection of the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim, where the authorities have set up the strong room for storage of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used for polling in the Ponda by-poll.
A portion of the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium will be used for the counting of votes of the by-election. This is the first time that the facility is being used for counting of votes in an Assembly election.
Accompanied by the nodal officers, the team undertook a comprehensive review of the facilities designated for election-related operations, including the strong room, control rooms, and counting hall.
During the inspection, the District Electoral Officer issued strict directions to ensure proper security arrangements at all locations, with zero tolerance for any lapses. The DEO has further directed all concerned officials to maintain the highest standards of vigilance, ensure seamless coordination, and strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India to uphold the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.
Senior officials pointed out that the election authorities have decided to use only a portion of the indoor stadium to house the EVM strong room, adding that the strong room will not come in the way of the sports activities in the indoor stadium.
