Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: Political activity in Ponda has gathered momentum following the Election Commission’s announcement of the Assembly by-election schedule, with both the BJP and Congress accelerating efforts to finalise their candidates for the crucial seat.
The by-election, slated for April 9, was necessitated after the demise of former minister Ravi Naik on October 15, 2025. The nomination process is already underway, with March 23 set as the last date for filing papers.
The BJP is expected to take a final call on its candidate at a key meeting of its central leadership in Delhi on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Goa BJP president Damodar Naik are likely to be present for the discussions. Party sources indicated that two names — Ritesh Naik and Vishwanath Dalvi — have been forwarded by the state unit, with the Parliamentary Board set to decide the nominee.
Senior party leaders have said that the selection follows internal consultations, with the State Election Committee shortlisting candidates before sending recommendations to the central leadership. Even as the decision is awaited, BJP workers have already begun groundwork in the constituency.
On the Congress side, former MGP leader Ketan Bhatikar has emerged as the frontrunner. Having joined the party recently, he is the only aspirant to have formally applied for the ticket. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has recommended his name to the party’s Central Election Committee for final approval.
GPCC chief Amit Patkar confirmed that Bhatikar’s application has been forwarded, noting that there was broad agreement within the party on his candidature. He expressed confidence that the Congress would secure victory in the bypoll and build momentum for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Bhatikar, who had narrowly lost to Ravi Naik in the 2022 elections by a margin of around 100 votes, said he remains hopeful of the party’s decision and will abide by it.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rajesh Verenkar emphasized unity within the party ranks, stating that leaders and workers are focused on defeating the BJP. He added that he would support Bhatikar if the party officially nominates him.
