Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: A total of 31 candidates contesting in four constituencies of Ponda Taluka.
There was no withdrawal of nominations. Out of this, 26 contest on tickets of nine various political parties, while 5 contest as independent candidates. \
From Ponda Total of 7 candidates are contesting, including 2 independent; from Marcaim, all 8 candidates on the Party ticket; from Shiroda total of 8 candidates, including 1 independent; Priol total of 8 candidates, including 2 independents.
Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: On account of rising inflation and fuel prices, there is unhappiness among voters.
As a ruling dispensation, BJP is likely to face anti-incumbency, but despite this, BJP contesting from all four constituencies of Ponda Taluka poses a strong challenge before rival MGP, Congress, and other party candidates.
After inducting Subash Shirodkar, Ravi Naik and Govind Gaude into the Party fold BJP eye to bloom lotus in all three constituencies; MGP has a stronghold in Ponda Taluka and is a big challenge before BJP.
Marcaim is considered as sure winning seat of MGP where Sudin Dhavlikar is dominant.
From all four constituencies of Ponda Taluka in the 2022 assembly election, senior Politicians from various parties such as Ravi Naik, Subash Shirodkar, Sudin Dhavlikar, Deepak Dhavlikar, Mahadev Naik, Lavu Mamlatdar, Govind Gaude are trying their luck once again however they face challenges from rival candidates which includes most of the young and fresh candidates.
Ponda….
In Ponda total of seven candidates are in the fray; however, four corners tough battle is expected with Former Congress MLA Ravi Naik, who joined and contested on a BJP ticket, facing a challenge from MGP Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, who is a first time contesting from Ponda.
Besides, there is a challenge from INC Rajesh Verenkar and independent candidate Sandeep Khandepar, who are contesting a second time from Ponda Constituency.
Rajesh, in 2017 had, finished third as an independent candidate from Ponda. Now he joined and contesting on a Congress Party ticket. Sandeep Khandepar is a rebellion from BJP and contesting as an independent candidate after he was denied a ticket by Party.
He had also unsuccessfully contested the election from Ponda Constituency in the past.
Beside other three candidates include Sanish Tilve (Revolutionary Goans Party), Surel Tilve (AAP), While two Candidates Naresh Padwalkar (independent)
Marcaim
At Marcaim, eight candidates are contesting, and though MGP is strong in Marcaim, a three-way battle is expected with former MLA and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavlikar facing a challenge from former MGP Ponda MLA Lavu Mamlatdar and BJP Candidate Sudesh Bhingi.
Strangely Lavu Mamlatdar and Sudesh Bhingi were once supporter of Sudin Dhavlikar with Lavu Mamlatdar was Dhavlikar`s close friend.
Lavu says he wants to defeat Sudin in Marcaim as he failed to bring the development of Marcaim.
Lavu says he wants to give justice to Marcaim Locals. Lavu alleges that Sudin wants to continue dynasty politics in Marcaim, denying the chance to Bahjujans to contest the election.
Besides this three, the other various candidates include Ravindra Talaulikar (NCP), Harishchandra Sudhakar Naik (Jai Mahabharat Party), Premanand Gaude (Revolutionary Goans Party), Santosh Tari( Goencho Swabhiman Party), Umesh Tendulkar ( AAP).
Shiroda
Eight Candidates contest from the Shiroda constituency. However, the five corner battle is expected with senior politicians and BJP candidate and former Minister Subash Shirodkar facing the challenge of AAP, Congress, MGP, NCP, and other candidates.
Subash Shirodkar contesting on a Congress ticket had defeated BJP candidate Mahadev Naik in 2017and, later resigned from Congress Party in 2019 to join BJP and had won a by-election on a BJP ticket.
Subash now faces the challenge of former Industries Minister Mahadev Naik contesting on an AAP ticket. Mahadev Naik, who had defeated Subash Shirodkar in the 2007 and 2012 elections, still influences Shiroda Constituency.
Tukaram Borkar (INC) is also getting the good support of voters.
Sanket Naik Mule (MGP) and Dr Subash Jairam Prabudesai (NCP)also poses a strong challenge to Subash Shirodkar.
Besides this, Mukesh Pandurang Naik (Sambhaji Brigade Party), Shailesh Tatu Naik (Revolutionary Goans Party) and Snehalo Gracias contesting as independent from Shiroda.
Priol
Eight Candidates contesting from Priol and expected to be a three-cornered battle with MGP President Deepak Dhavlikar faces the challenge of Minister Govind Gaude, who recently joined BJP and contesting on its ticket.
There is a challenge by Sandeep Nigalye, who is the rebellion of BJP who after denied ticket by Party is contesting the election as independent and also getting good support from voters.
Besides there, the other candidates expected to give a tough fight in the election includes Digvijay Velingkar (NCP), Dinesh Zalmi (INC), Nonu Chandrakant Naik (AAP), Vishwesh Naik (Revolutionary Goans Party), Dattaram Shetkar (independent).