PONDA: Shortly after losing the no-confidence motion, Betki-Khandola Sarpanch Vishant Naik and Deputy Sarpanch Sanjivani Talekar were re-elected as sarpanch and deputy sarpanch respectively on Monday, reaffirming former minister and Priol MLA Govind Gaude’s grip on the panchayat. On Monday, elections were conducted to elect a new sarpanch. Dilip Naik, who played an important role in bringing about the no-confidence motion, and Vishant Naik had filed their applications for the top post. Gaude succeeded in getting one of the panchs who had signed the no-confidence motion to pledge support to Vishant Naik. Left with no option, Dilip Naik withdrew his application on Monday and Vishant Naik was elected unopposed as sarpanch. Sanjivani Talekar was also once again re-elected as the deputy sarpanch. Govind Gaude later congratulated Vishant Naik on his election as sarpanch.
