NT Reporter
Ponda
As campaigning for the Ponda bypoll scheduled on April 9 gathers pace, BJP candidate Ritesh Naik is intensifying efforts to consolidate
support.
The party’s decision to field Ritesh, son of former Chief Minister Ravi Naik, has not gone down well with aspirant Vishwanath Dalvi, who was reportedly upset after being overlooked, triggering unease among party workers.
On Saturday, Ritesh’s younger brother Roy Naik met Dalvi at his residence in Khadpabandh. The meeting, described as informal, has fuelled speculation about possible realignments or a softening of positions ahead of the nomination
process.
“He is my friend. He invited me for tea and even offered me snacks. We will go together to file the nomination form,” Roy said after the interaction.
Dalvi remains at the centre of political discussion, with the outcome of the expected meeting between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Dalvi likely to clarify the situation.
