MGP leader and Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has asserted that Ponda remains the traditional stronghold of the MGP, claiming the BJP was able to win the constituency only because veteran leader Ravi Naik had joined the party.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Madhavrao Dhavalikar Trust office in Ponda, Dhavalikar said the BJP's victory in the constituency would not have been possible without Ravi Naik's presence.
"Ponda belongs to the MGP. Ravi Naik came to the BJP from the MGP, and because of him the BJP won the seat. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for the BJP to win Ponda," Dhavalikar said.
Expressing confidence in his party's prospects, the senior MGP leader said the party has the strength and support to reclaim the Ponda Assembly seat in the future.