Massive show of strength on cards; triangular contest likely
PANAJI
Monday is set to add fizz and colour to the Ponda by-election as candidates line up to file their nomination papers. The deadline closes at 3 pm, and all three major contenders are expected to make it a show of strength.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Ritesh Naik, son of the late Ravi Naik. His nomination comes after internal wrangling and the sidelining of Vishwanath Dalvi, the party’s South Goa district president and three-term councillor.
Dalvi, however, met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday and later pledged full support to Ritesh. He said the BJP cadres in Ponda will rally behind the candidate to retain the seat.
The Congress has chosen Dr Ketan Bhatikar, who joined the party just a week ago after quitting the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). Bhatikar is seen as a strong challenger, having lost narrowly to Ravi Naik in 2022 by only 77 votes.
His entry has energised Congress workers who believe the margin can be overturned this time.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has nominated Geetesh Naik, also a recent entrant to the party led by Arvind Kejriwal, which is keen to establish itself as an independent force in Goa’s fractured political landscape. On Sunday, AAP opened its campaign office in Ponda and Naik continued his door-to-door outreach, meeting voters and pitching himself as a fresh alternative.
All three candidates are expected to file their papers on Monday with supporters in tow in processions, turning the nomination exercise into a display of political muscle and optics.
The contest is shaping into a triangular battle, with each party banking on its ground strength and campaign momentum.
Now with the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) stepping aside to support Congress, the stage is set for a high-stakes fight. Monday’s nominations will mark the formal beginning of a campaign that promises intensity, colour, and sharp political clashes in Ponda.
