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AAP Fields Businessman Gitesh Naik for Ponda Bypoll Against BJP's Ritesh Naik

The Aam Aadmi Party has announced local businessman and social worker Gitesh Naik as its candidate for the Ponda assembly by-election. The seat fell vacant following the death of former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik. The BJP has nominated Ravi Naik's son, Ritesh Ravi Naik, setting up a direct contest. The Election Commission has scheduled the polling for April 9, with results on May 4, and the Model Code of Conduct is now in effect.

Key Points: AAP Candidate Gitesh Naik for Ponda Bypoll | Schedule Announced

  • AAP fields businessman Gitesh Naik
  • BJP counters with Ritesh Ravi Naik
  • Ponda bypoll set for April 9
  • Model Code of Conduct in force
2 min read

Goa : AAP fields businessman Gitesh Naik for Ponda bypoll

AAP announces Gitesh Naik for Ponda bypoll against BJP's Ritesh Naik. Polling on April 9, results May 4. Model Code of Conduct in effect.

"It will greatly strengthen AAP in Ponda and Goa - Arvind Kejriwal"

Panjim, March 19

Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday announced local businessman Gitesh Naik as its candidate for the Ponda assembly constituency bypoll, a day after he joined the party.

Naik, who comes from the Bahujan Samaj and has been a social worker, joined AAP in the presence of national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday.

"Today, we welcome Mr. Geetesh Naik - a dynamic social worker from the Bahujan Samaj - to the Aam Aadmi Party. It will greatly strengthen AAP in Ponda and Goa," Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X after Naik joined the party.

The seats fell vacant following the demise of the agriculture minister and former CM Ravi Naik due to cardiac arrest. BJP has announced Ravi Naik's son, Ritesh Ravi Naik, as their candidate.

The bypoll in Ponda will be held on April 9, and the results will be out on May 4.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for by-elections to eight Assembly constituencies in six states across the country.

EC has stated that polling will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) at all polling stations.

For voter identification, the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the primary document. In addition, documents such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Passport, Bank or Post Office Passbook, MGNREGA Job Card, and Health Insurance Smart Card will also be accepted.

Meanwhile, with the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the Rahuri and Baramati constituencies. The Commission has also made it mandatory for candidates and political parties to publicise information about candidates with criminal backgrounds three times during the campaign period.

The Election Commission has instructed all concerned authorities to make necessary arrangements for the by-elections and ensure strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting move! A businessman with social work background from Bahujan Samaj. Hope he brings some fresh ideas for Ponda's development. The focus should be on local issues like tourism, infrastructure, and jobs. 🤞
R
Rahul R
BJP is fielding the son of the late leader. This feels like dynasty politics, which is so common here. AAP's candidate is an outsider to the party but maybe that's a good thing? Need candidates who work for the people, not just family legacy.
A
Ashley H
The Model Code of Conduct details are important. Glad the EC is being strict about candidates with criminal backgrounds having to publicise it. Voters deserve full transparency. The multiple ID options for voting is also very practical.
M
Meera T
As a Goan, I'm watching this closely. Ponda needs stable leadership. While AAP's entry adds choice, I have a respectful criticism: parachuting a candidate who just joined the party feels a bit opportunistic. His social work record will be his real test.
V
Vikram M
Kejriwal ji is expanding AAP's footprint. Good strategy to get a local face from an important community. But winning a bypoll against a sentiment candidate (the son) will be very tough. All the best to both candidates. May the best person win! 🙏

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