PANAJI
As the campaign for the Ponda bypoll gathers pace, Ritesh Naik has stepped into the political space long occupied by his father, Ravi Naik, framing his candidacy as both a continuation and a test of inherited public trust.
The by-election was necessitated by the late minister Ravi Naik’s death on October 15, 2025, ending a political career that spanned more than four decades and leaving behind a constituency accustomed to his presence.
Campaigning across Ponda, Ritesh -- ex-chairperson of Ponda municipal council -- has struck a tone of gratitude and continuity. “I am happy to have received this opportunity and I am grateful for the continued support of the people,” he said, thanking “all Goans, especially the people of Ponda,” as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the ticket.
He repeatedly invoked his father’s legacy as central to his appeal stating he will carry forward the legacy of his father. “I will carry forward the work and legacy of my father, who served the people for decades. I am optimistic that people will extend me the same trust they showed to my father. I will strive to take forward all the work he has done and serve the people to the best of my ability,” he added.
The contest, however, has not been without internal tremors as Vishwanath Dalvi “ also in the race for the party ticket - was denied the opportunity. Ritesh, when asked about support from his colleague, emphasised unity over dissent. “I am confident of his support. As a party, we are united and have to be together...the party’s decision is final and discipline must prevail, which has been insisted upon by the BJP,” he said.
On the opposition, Ritesh kept his focus on alliances rather than individuals. One of his rivals for the upcoming polls, Ketan Bhatikar, who previously had ties with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and is now contesting on a Congress ticket, has drawn attention for continuing to express admiration for Minister Sudin Dhavalikar.
Ritesh dismissed any ambiguity over political alignments, stating the minister has already publicly announced MGP’s support for the BJP. “The BJP-MGP alliance is strong and united. The MGP has already extended support to BJP, so there is no question about that,” he said.
Still, beneath the assertions of unity lies a more delicate calculation on whether legacy can translate into votes in a constituency.
“My father devoted his life to public service, and I have seen the faith people had in him all these years,” Naik said, reiterating, “I am confident that the people will support me in the by-election and give me the opportunity to serve them.”
