Goa, Oct. 31 -- With several aspirants from various political parties showing interest in contesting the forthcoming Ponda constituency by-election, the seat - rendered vacant following the demise of former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik - is expected to witness a fierce multi-cornered battle rather than an unopposed contest.

Locals believe that, given the number of interested candidates, the by-election will mirror the tough triangular fight seen during the 2022 Assembly polls. However, the final picture will emerge only once the Election Commission announces the poll schedule and political parties declare their candidates.

Following the demise of the veteran Bahujan leader, there is strong public sympathy for his so...