PONDA
Goa plunged into grief on Friday following the untimely death of young Congress leader and physiotherapist Dr Ketan Bhatikar, who died due to a snakebite near Anmod Ghat in the early hours of Friday.
Political leaders cutting across party lines paid rich tributes to the 42-year-old, remembering him as a compassionate doctor, committed social worker and emerging political face from Ponda.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, after paying his last respects at Bhatikar’s residence, described the incident as “very painful”.
“We lost such a young friend. He was a very good human being who was always there for the people and to help them. Though we shared political boundaries, he was a very good friend of mine,” Sawant said.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister termed it a profound loss to the medical fraternity.
“His departure is a profound loss to the medical community. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May his soul attain Sadgati,” he stated.
Bhatikar had joined the Indian National Congress in February this year ahead of the Ponda by-election and was announced as the party’s candidate. However, the by-poll was later cancelled on constitutional grounds.
Before joining Congress, Bhatikar was associated with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the party’s ticket.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao described Bhatikar as a “naturally born leader”.
“It is very sad news. He had social work in his blood and dreamt of becoming an MLA. He was dedicated to his profession, social work and political career. Despite not being an MLA, he did a lot of work for the people. It is a great loss for Goa and the Congress party,” Alemao said.
At the national level, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences saying, “Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our young Congress leader from Goa. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Bhatikar was a compassionate physician and dedicated young leader, adding that his death was a great loss to both Goa’s polity and medical community.
The tragedy also drew condolences from the Aam Aadmi Party leadership, with party convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena paying their last respects along with AAP Goa chief Valmiki Naik.
Naik said Goa had lost a young politician and social worker respected across the State.
Senior MGP leader and Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar termed Bhatikar’s death a huge loss to Ponda.
“He always respected me and regarded me like his father. The news of his death has shaken me. He was a young aspiring political leader and also a great social worker,” Dhavalikar said.
MGP president Pandurang Dhavalikar said Bhatikar had devoted the last several years entirely to social work and wanted to take that work forward through politics.
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai recalled his personal association with Bhatikar dating back to 2012-13, when the physiotherapist had treated him for bilateral tennis elbow.
“He was passionate about politics and was a very humane person,” Sardesai said.
Bhatikar’s sudden passing has sent waves of shock and grief across Goa, especially in Ponda, where he had forged a deep bond with people through his medical practice, social work, and emerging political journey.
