Maharashtrawa di Gomantak Party (MGP) president Deepak Dhav alikar has reaffirmed his support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candi date in the upcoming Ponda by-election. Following the demise of the late Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, there is consider able speculation about the next MLA, with several as pirants from various parties. Dhavalikar, who had pre viously declared support for Ravi’s son Ritesh, stated “The MGP, being in alliance with the BJP, considers this seat to belong to the BJP. The MGP is not preparing for this by-election but is in stead focusing on the 2027 general election.” With regards to MGP’s Ketan Bhatikar’s intention to contest as an independ ent in the Ponda by-election, Dhavalikar acknowledged Bhatikar as a dedicated par ty worker. He noted that not only Bhatikar, but also senior BJP worker Vishwanath Dalvi and Congress’s Rajesh Verenkar have expressed their inter est to contest the upcoming by-election. Dhavalikar emphasised that despite multiple candi dates showing interest, the current ‘chaos and confu sion’ will only be resolved once the Election Commis sion declares the official date for the by-election, which will then provide a clearer picture of who will ultimately contest. He urged the media to wait for the offi cial election declaration. Meanwhile, senior BJP worker Vishwanath Dalvi said, “I have dedicated many years to the party and am confident that while the party will decide the candi date for the by-election, my long-standing contributions will be taken into account during the selection pro cess.” He affirmed his read iness to contest if given the ticket.
MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar Reaffirms Support for BJP in Upcoming Ponda By-Election
