Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 22: The Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) has decided not to contest the upcoming Ponda Assembly by-election and will instead support the Congress candidate, Ketan Bhatikar, in a bid to consolidate anti-BJP votes.

RGP chief Manoj Parab said the decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee. He clarified that the Indian National Congress had not approached the RGP for any alliance or discussion prior to announcing its candidate.

Despite this, Parab emphasised that the larger goal of defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party outweighed internal differences. “We have decided to support the Congress in the larger interest of defeating the BJP, even though many party members are unhappy,” he said.

The bypoll for the Ponda seat is scheduled to be held on April 9.

Parab noted that Ponda has been a stronghold for the party and that the decision to stay away from the contest was not an easy one. In the 2022 Assembly elections, RGP candidate Sanish Tilve had secured 1,777 votes, accounting for nearly 7 per cent vote share.

While sections within the party had favoured an independent contest, the leadership opted for a strategic withdrawal to strengthen opposition unity.

Meanwhile, the BJP has fielded Ritesh Naik, son of former minister late Ravi Naik, while the Aam Aadmi Party has nominated Geepesh Naik. All candidates are expected to file their nominations on Monday.