PANAJI
Hours after his nomination passed scrutiny by the Returning Officer, the Congress alleged that Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Ponda by-poll candidate Geetesh Naik has concealed details of multiple criminal cases in his election affidavit.
Addressing a press conference, Congress’ Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira reiterated the demand for rejection of Naik’s nomination papers. The MLA had filed an objection to the Naik’s nomination before the Returning Officer on the same grounds; however the objections were rejected.
Ferreira claimed that multiple cases have been registered against Naik in Rajasthan and Karnataka. “On July 15, 2025, an FIR was registered at Kengeri Police Station in Bengaluru under Sections 316(2), 318(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in which Naik is named as Accused No. 1. Another FIR was registered in Rajasthan in 2024 for cheating and criminal breach of trust,” Ferreira said.
He further alleged that the Lokmanya Multipurpose Credit Society has issued a notice to five respondents, including Naik, demanding repayment of approximately ₹32 crore along with additional interest.
Citing Supreme Court guidelines, Ferreira stated that candidates are required to disclose their assets and criminal history to ensure transparency for voters. “A candidate must disclose all relevant details so that voters are aware of whom they are voting for. Despite this, we are being accused of spreading falsehoods,” he said.
