Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: Triangular Contest Takes Shape For Ponda Bypoll As Candidates File Nominations
AAP, BJP Show Strength; Congress Confident Of Big Win As RGP Extends Support
PONDA: The battle for the Ponda Assembly by-election intensified on Monday with candidates from major political parties filing their nominations in a show of strength, setting the stage for a high-stakes triangular contest.
AAP candidate Geetesh Naik reached the Deputy Collector’s office to file his nomination, accompanied by MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva, State President Valmiki Naik, and a large number of party supporters. The party projected confidence while highlighting its growing base in the constituency.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed optimism about the Congress prospects, stating that Congress candidate Ketan Bhatikar would emerge victorious by a big margin. He said the win would add another MLA to the Congress tally and reflect public support in Ponda.
Meanwhile, BJP candidate Ritesh Naik filed his nomination in a show of strength in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and senior party leaders. The Chief Minister said victory was assured with full backing from karyakartas across the constituency. He also clarified that Apurv Dalvi is a BJP karyakarta and his good friend, adding that Dalvi would support BJP candidate Ritesh Naik.
Ritesh Naik dismissed speculation about internal differences, emphasizing unity within the party. He said all members would work together to ensure BJP’s victory in the by-election.
BJP MLA Govind Gaude said voting for BJP candidate Ritesh Naik would be a true homage to late leader Ravi Naik, urging voters to rally behind the party.
The contest is now shaping into a triangular battle, with BJP, Congress and AAP banking on their ground strength and campaign momentum. With the Revolutionary Goans Party stepping aside to support Congress, the political equations in Ponda have become sharper ahead of the campaign.
Monday’s nominations mark the formal beginning of an intense campaign, with political parties preparing for a closely watched contest expected to witness high-voltage campaigning, sharp exchanges and strong mobilisation across the constituency.
