PANAJI
Ritesh Ravi Naik, son of former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister late Ravi Naik, has been appointed president of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir at Ponda.
The Department of Art and Culture issued the appointment order on Monday and the decision has sparked political speculation, with observers noting it could be a clear indication that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to field Naik junior in the upcoming bye-election for the Ponda assembly constituency.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Ravi Naik. Under constitutional requirements, the bye-election must be held within the next two months.
Meanwhile, Ritesh Naik's appointment to the cultural body's top position has caused a buzz in Ponda and he has begun getting congratulatory messages from supporters and members of the cultural community.
Political circles, however, are focused on the timing of the move. By placing Naik in a visible public role, the BJP appears to be positioning him for electoral politics in a constituency long associated with his father.
Ravi Naik had represented Ponda for several terms and held key ministerial posts during his career, including Chief Minister.
With the bye-election approaching, the appointment has added momentum to speculation about the BJP’s candidate. For now, Naik’s new role at the Kala Mandir has placed him firmly in the spotlight.
