Says needs 12 hours to finalise stance
Ponda: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday named Ritesh Ravi Naik, the elder son of former minister late Ravi Naik, as its candidate for the upcoming Ponda by-election scheduled for April 9.
Following the announcement on Gudi Padwa, Ritesh launched his campaign by seeking blessings at his father’s memorial and local religious sites.
He expressed a firm determination to carry forward his father’s legacy and thanked BJP’s central election committee, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and BJP Goa president Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik.
While Ritesh received backing from BJP’s alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) president Deepak Dhavalikar, the selection has sparked an internal friction in BJP.
Vishwanath (Apurv) Dalvi, a prominent BJP leader and a close associate of the Chief Minister, admitted to being in “shock” after being passed over for the ticket. Bharatiya Janata Party workers thronged the residence of Dalvi at Khadpabandh in Ponda.
A loyal party worker who expected the nomination, Dalvi said he needs 12 hours to rethink his future course of action, even as he confirmed receiving a call from the Chief Minister.
In an effort to manage the situation, Damu Naik addressed a crowd of supporters at Dalvi’s residence, publicly affirming Dalvi’s loyalty and stating that the party is actively working to convince him to remain within the fold.
Ritesh has also clarified his intent to work in coordination with Dalvi and the local BJP block to ensure a unified front.
The internal tension comes at a critical time as the BJP prepares for what is expected to be a “neck-and-neck” battle against Congress candidate Dr Ketan Bhatikar in a high-stakes bid to retain its stronghold in Ponda.
The Ponda by-election has been necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA and former agriculture minister Ravi Naik.
