Ponda: At a public meeting on Monday ahead of the April 9 Ponda by-election, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the BJP campaign, pitching development and stability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“‘Viksit Goa’ is on track to achieve its growth targets by 2037, a decade ahead of ‘Viksit Bharat’,” said Fadnavis, speaking about India’s push towards a $5 trillion economy.
The campaign focused on development, alliance strength and legacy politics, appealing to voters to elect Ritesh Naik with a majority and show loyalty to late leader Ravi Naik.
“Goa’s per capita income is rising and I am confident that the BJP-MGP alliance will be strengthened,” said Fadnavis, adding that a two-thirds majority government would be formed in 2027.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant outlined a development plan, announcing a Rs 100 crore vision for Ponda city and Curti panchayat. Key proposals include an IIT campus at Farmagudi, a garbage treatment plant for Curti-Khandepar, conversion of the ID Hospital into a district hospital, and a Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum at Farmagudi fort as a cultural landmark for Ponda.
He also spoke of 5,000 jobs through Staff Selection Commission and HR initiatives, and a possible increase in Griha Aadhar and Deen Dayal Swasthya Seve Yojana benefits.
BJP’s manifesto commitments will be delivered in a time-bound manner, said Sawant.
BJP Goa president Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik marked the party’s foundation day, highlighting its nationwide growth and delivery record.
Senior leaders, including Govind Gaude, Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar, Michael Lobo and Shripad Naik, paid tribute to late Ravi Naik and urged voters to support his son. They described Ritesh Naik as a “humble, educated and approachable leader” who would carry forward his father’s legacy.
