MGP chief questions necessity of Ponda by-poll

PANAJI
Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) president Deepak Dhavalikar has stirred political debate by suggesting that a bye-election in the Ponda constituency, following the demise of veteran leader and sitting MLA Ravi Naik, may be unnecessary, given the short remainder of the current assembly’s term.
Speaking to reporters, Dhavalikar emphasised that with less than two years left before the next general assembly elections, holding a bye-election would be an avoidable expense and logistical exercise.
“The government should consider the practicality of conducting a bye-election when the term is nearing its end. It’s time to think beyond politics and focus on consensus,” he said.
The MGP chief, however, suggested that Ravi Naik’s son, Ritesh Naik, be elected unanimously to carry forward his father’s legacy, should a bye-poll indeed be held.
He appealed to all political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Congress, to support Ritesh’s candidature in the interest of continuity and respect for Ravi Naik’s decades-long contribution to Goan politics.
“Ravi Naik was a towering figure in Ponda and Goa. His son Ritesh has the capability and the goodwill to serve the people. Let us honour Ravi Naik’s memory by electing Ritesh unopposed,” Dhavalikar stated.
Political observers, however, are reading between the lines of Dhavalikar's statements, as Naik and the Dhavalikars have been bitter political rivals for decades.
Also, the MGP, even in its current depleted state, has been a strong force in Ponda, and its candidate Ketan Bhatikar was just 75 votes short of Ravi Naik in the 2022 assembly elections.
Nonetheless, the MGP chief’s remarks come amid speculation over potential candidates and party strategies for the Ponda seat in the expected bye-poll. While the BJP has yet to announce its stance, Dhavalikar’s call for unity has sparked discussions across party lines.
Past precedent
Bizarre as it may sound, such a no-contest bye-election is not without precedent. In 2012, when former minister Matanhy Saldanha similarly died in office, his wife Alina was unanimously elected without a contest from Cortalim.
Ravi Naik's son Ritesh, meanwhile, has been active in local affairs and was always alongside his father at public engagements in the constituency. He was also the chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council for a couple of years but has not yet officially declared his intention to contest.
The Goa legislature department has already notified the vacancy following Ravi's death, and the Election Commission of India is expected to announce the date for the bye-poll, which, under the constitutional scheme, must be held within six months of a seat falling vacant.