PANAJI
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Goa has forwarded two names to the party’s central leadership for the upcoming Ponda Assembly by-election, with the final candidate expected to be decided within a week.
BJP president Damu Naik on Thursday said the party’s State Election Committee shortlisted two names, which were sent to the BJP Parliamentary Committee for decision.
“There is a democratic process in the party. First the State Election Committee meets and the names on priority are sent to the leadership. The Parliamentary Board will take the final decision,” Naik told reporters.
He said the party would also conduct an internal survey before finalising the candidate. “After the survey, the name will be decided within a week,” the party President added.
Sources said the names of Ritesh Naik, son of former MLA and minister Ravi Naik who passed away on October 15, 2025 leading to the vacancy, and Vishwanath Dalvi have been shortlisted for the by-poll.
