Following the demise of Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, political circles in Ponda are abuzz with appeals to field his son, Ritesh Naik, as a consensus candidate in the upcoming by-election. Several leaders and community representatives have urged that he be elected unopposed as a tribute to the late leader’s immense contribution to Goa.
MGP President Deepak Dhavlikar has proposed that Ritesh Naik be the joint candidate of the BJP-MGP alliance, assuring full party support. “Ravi Naik was a respected leader whose contribution to Goa and its people will always be remembered,” said Power Minister and MGP leader Ramakrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar, adding that his party would uphold “coalition dharma” and expects the same from the BJP. He clarified that the final decision rests with the BJP’s state and central leadership.
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Priol MLA and Minister Govind Gaude echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I firmly believe that Ritesh Naik or Roy Naik should be elected unopposed after the unfortunate demise of their father, late Ravi Naik, a stalwart who dedicated his life to Goa. As a mark of respect to his immense contribution, all parties should take a unanimous and dignified decision to allow his son to continue his legacy.”
Adv. Manohar Adpoikar, senior BJP worker and OBC leader, said public opinion in Ponda clearly favours Ritesh’s candidature. “If Ritesh is nominated, victory is certain. The party can later choose its candidate freely in the 2027 polls,” he said, citing examples such as Alina Saldanha and Joshua D’Souza, who were fielded after the deaths of their spouses and fathers, respectively.
Ritesh Naik, a two-time Ponda Municipal Council councillor and former chairperson, had earlier contested Assembly elections and joined the BJP five years ago. Many in Ponda see his candidature as a continuation of Ravi Naik’s legacy and a fitting tribute to the veteran leader.
However, senior BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and State President Damu Naik, have so far refrained from commenting, indicating that the party will take a formal decision on the matter at a later stage.
