With the Ponda As sembly by-election sched uled for April 9, political activity in the constituency has intensified, mirroring the rising summer heat. Par ty offices, public spaces and hotels across Ponda have become centres of candi date scouting, strategising and voter outreach as par ties prepare for what is ex pected to be a closely fought contest. Some political analysts say the outcome of the Pon da bypoll could influence the 2027 Goa Assembly elec tions, making the contest a virtual “semi-final” for the state’s political landscape. The constituency, which in cludes Ponda Municipality and Curti Panchayat, has a diverse electorate dominat ed by the Bhandari commu nity, followed by Catholics, Muslims, Scheduled Tribes and others. The seat fell vacant on Oc tober 14 last year following the sudden demise of for mer Ponda MLA and Agri culture Minister Ravi Naik due to a cardiac arrest. Naik, who was elected on a BJP ticket in 2022, had earlier represented the constituen cy for decades as a Congress stalwart. His personal in fluence had helped the BJP secure the seat for the first time after a long period of Congress dominance, aided by the MGP–BJP alliance vic tory in 2012. Since his passing, the BJP has been working to retain the seat. Chief Minister Pra mod Sawant has expressed confidence that the party will hold on to Ponda, point ing to his frequent visits to the constituency and inter actions with voters. The par ty has also been highlighting the achievements of the late Ravi Naik during his tenure in the Congress to consoli date support. The Gomantak Bhandari Samaj has urged the BJP to nominate one of Ravi Naik’s sons — either Ritesh Naik or Roy Naik — to carry forward his legacy. According to BJP President Damu Naik, two names have been forwarded to the party high command: councillor Ritesh Naik and senior party worker and councillor Vishwanath Davli. A final decision on the candi date is expected shortly. MGP leader and Power Minister Sudin Dhavlikar has said that the party will support the BJP candidate, in keeping with the alliance in government. Meanwhile, Dr Ketan Bhatikar, who narrowly lost the 2022 As sembly election on an MGP ticket by just 77 votes, has since joined the Congress and is likely to be the party’s nominee. Priol BJP MLA Govind Gaude said that Ritesh Naik could carry forward his fa ther’s legacy, but noted that the final decision rests with the party leadership. Con gress President Amit Pat kar said that Goa Forward, which is in alliance with the Congress, would back their candidate. The developments point to a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress, al though smaller parties such as AAP are also exploring the possibility of fielding candidates. Speaking to reporters in Panjim, Patkar confirmed that the Congress State Elec tion Committee has recom mended Dr Ketan Bhatikar as the party’s candidate for the Ponda bypoll. The recommendation has been forwarded to the Central Election Committee (CEC), which will take the final de cision. On questions about Rajesh Verenkar, Patkar re iterated that he has pledged support for Bhatikar’s can didature. Dr Ketan Bhatikar said, “If the party gives the ticket to Rajesh, I will sup port him. If the party gives the ticket to me, Rajesh will support me — he has al ready said so. Whatever the party decides, I will do.” The Ponda by-election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, not only for the constituency but also for its potential influence on the 2027 Assembly elec tions.
