PANAJI
The stage is set for the upcoming by-election in Ponda, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announcing their candidates ahead of the April 9 poll.
The BJP named Ritesh Naik as its candidate, banking on continuity after the demise of sitting MLA and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, whose death on October 15, 2025 necessitated the by-election.
Ritesh, the son of the late leader, emerged as the frontrunner along with Vishwanath Dalvi, with both names forwarded to the party’s national leadership before a final decision was taken.
A former chairperson of the Ponda Municipal Council, Ritesh joined the BJP in 2020 along with his brother Roy Naik and has since remained active in grassroots politics, including spearheading campaigns during the Zilla Panchayat elections and managing his father’s political office.
Soon after the announcement, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Ritesh, expressing confidence in his leadership.
“Congratulations to Ritesh Ravi Naik on his nomination as the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate for the Ponda Assembly by-election. I am confident that, with dedication, humility and commitment to development, he will work tirelessly to serve the people of Ponda and further strengthen the vision of progress, stability and good governance. The Bharatiya Janata Party remains committed to the welfare of every citizen and to the continued development of Goa,” Sawant said.
The Congress, meanwhile, has opted for Ketan Bhatikar as its candidate. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal confirmed the decision after consultations within the party’s state election committee. A physiotherapist by profession, Bhatikar recently joined the Congress after parting ways with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.
The AAP has fielded social worker and Bhandari Samaj leader, Geetesh Naik, who joined the party earlier this week in the presence of its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and other senior leaders.
