October 17, 2025

Panaji is buzzing with political excitement after the sad death of agriculture minister Ravi Naik. The powerful cabinet post he held is now vacant, and politicians are ready to grab this golden chance! When BJP formed the government in 2022, Ponda taluka had four ministers: WRD minister Subhash Shirodkar, power minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar, former art and culture minister Govind Gaude, and Ravi Naik himself. But now, with Naik gone, the number of cabinet ministers from Ponda has dropped by half! Things got even more interesting on June 18 when CM Pramod Sawant dropped Govind Gaude from the cabinet. This happened after Gaude made bold allegations of corruption in the tribal welfare department, which is under CM Sawant’s watch. A sharp political observer said, “Naik was a tall Bhandari leader who had followers across the state, but BJP will now have to take a decision to induct an MLA who can help them secure more seats in the 2027 election.” The race is on with former minister Michael Lobo and Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar both eyeing the coveted cabinet berth. Meanwhile, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral is also ready for a comeback. He had resigned earlier on party orders to make way for Aleixo Sequeira’s induction, keeping BJP’s promises intact. The Bhandari community is also stepping into the spotlight. During Ravi Naik’s funeral on Wednesday, Bhandari Samaj leaders took the chance to speak to CM Sawant and BJP state president Damodar Naik. They made a heartfelt request for a party ticket for Ravi Naik’s son, Ritesh, to contest the Ponda assembly seat in the upcoming bypolls. Devanand Naik, president of Gomantak Bhandari Samaj, said, “When the bypolls are held six months later, I request the CM and BJP state president to give the opportunity to ‘Patrao’s’ son Ritesh. The family has to be honoured. I ask that he be taken into the cabinet to represent the Bhandari Samaj, a role played by his father.” Another Samaj member, Sanjeev Naik, added, “He always said with great pride that he is OBC. Whatever he touched turned to gold. He got BJP the Ponda seat. We wish to see at least one of his sons become the (Ponda) MLA and gets the father’s ministerial berth.” With so much action unfolding, Goa’s political chessboard is set for a thrilling game. Who will fill Ravi Naik’s shoes? Will the BJP listen to the Bhandari Samaj? The countdown to the bypolls has begun, and the drama is far from over!

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Tags: Ravi naik, Goa cabinet, Ponda mla, Bjp politics, Bhandari community, Pramod sawant,