Goa, Oct. 18 -- Following the demise of Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, political circles in Ponda are abuzz with appeals to field his son, Ritesh Naik, as a consensus candidate in the upcoming by-election. Several leaders and community representatives have urged that he be elected unopposed as a tribute to the late leader's immense contribution to Goa.

MGP President Deepak Dhavlikar has proposed that Ritesh Naik be the joint candidate of the BJP-MGP alliance, assuring full party support. "Ravi Naik was a respected leader whose contribution to Goa and its people will always be remembered," said Power Minister and MGP leader Ramakrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar, adding that his party would uphold "coalition dharma" and expects the same from the...