Battle for Ponda: BJP, Congress, AAP Kick Off By-Election Race

Candidates from BJP, Congress, and AAP have filed their nominations for the Ponda assembly by-election in Goa. The BJP is fielding Ritesh Naik, Congress Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, and AAP Gitesh Naik. The election was necessitated by the death of BJP MLA Ravi Naik.

In a significant political move, candidates from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the Opposition Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party stepped forward on Monday to file their nominations for the Ponda assembly by-election in Goa.

The BJP has put forth Ritesh Naik as its candidate, with the Congress backing Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, and the AAP nominating Gitesh Naik for the critical April 9 bypoll. This election follows the untimely death of the sitting BJP MLA and then Agriculture Minister, Ravi Naik, prompting his son to take up the mantle for the BJP.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed confidence in reclaiming the seat, citing the BJP's continued development drive in the state. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao and other prominent party figures have rallied behind their candidates, signaling a robust electoral battle ahead.

(With inputs from agencies.)