Special Correspondent
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant termed the cancellation of the Ponda bypoll by the Bombay High Court at Goa as “very shocking”, stating that the government is awaiting the Election Commission’s notification and remains in constant touch with the party’s central leadership.
Sawant said a review of the High Court decision has been undertaken by his party and that the court could have ideally granted the 24-hour stay sought by the Election Commission of India without delaying the decision for three days.
“We remain committed to fulfilling all promises made to the Ponda voters,” he said, adding, “On the ground, our victory was certain, and we have faith that the people of Ponda will continue to support the Bharatiya Janata Party.” He also said the Opposition is frustrated, adding that the party has accepted the High Court decision and is awaiting the ECI notification.
State BJP president Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik said the cancellation of the by-poll is shocking. “We will work with even more determination in Ponda now,” he said, adding that many party workers had come together to secure Ritesh’s win and that the party would address the gap created after the High Court verdict.
