PANAJI
The resignation of Ponda Municipal Councillor Roy Naik, son of former chief minister Ravi Naik, has set off fresh political speculation about his possible entry into active electoral politics ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Fueling the buzz, senior Congress leader Rajesh Verenkar publicly welcomed the possibility of Roy joining the party and contesting from the Marcaim constituency.
Verenkar said the Congress would extend full support to Roy if he decided to enter the electoral fray from the seat currently represented by Power Minister Ramkrishna “Sudin” Dhavalikar.
Roy’s resignation has revived discussions about the growing political ambitions of the younger Naik generation and their increasingly visible role in Ponda taluka politics.
The development comes against the backdrop of an intensifying rivalry between the Naik family and the Dhavalikars, two influential political forces in the region.
Political observers said Roy and his brother Ritesh Naik have, in recent months, stepped up their political activities across the taluka. The brothers have sought to consolidate support among groups opposed to Dhavalikar, particularly in Marcaim, signalling a willingness to challenge the MGP strongman on his home turf.
The friction became evident earlier when the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party expanded its organisational footprint in Ponda town, a move seen as an attempt to widen its influence beyond its traditional Marcaim base.
The Naik camp responded by mobilising leaders and supporters across Marcaim, setting the stage for a direct contest of political influence.
Roy’s resignation is now being viewed in many quarters as another step in that emerging battle.
The possible entry of a Naik family member into the Marcaim contest could also complicate political equations within the BJP-MGP alliance, which has publicly committed to fighting future elections together.
Nonetheless, Roy Naik’s resignation has now intensified speculation that preparations for the next Assembly battle may already be underway, even if he has not officially outlined his political plans.
