Panaji, April 6 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday criticized the opposition for fielding candidates in the by-election to the Ponda assembly constituency in Goa, instead of ensuring an unopposed contest as a tribute to the late minister Ravi Naik, who had represented the seat.
The Congress and AAP have entered the poll fray against BJP nominee Ritesh Ravi Naik for the April 9 by-election.
Addressing a public meeting in Ponda, Fadnavis said that considering the work done by the late Ravi Naik for tenants and farmers, and his contribution in the field of education, the opposition should have allowed an unopposed election.
"In a way, they too would have paid tribute to Ravi Naik. But unfortunately, they did not think along those lines," he said.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, state BJP chief Damodar Naik and other leaders were present.
"It is true that this one seat does not bring any significant political change here, nor does it have any impact on the government. In such a situation, we expected a more cultured and dignified approach (from the Opposition) in a state like Goa, but unfortunately, that expectation was not fulfilled," Fadnavis added.
He expressed confidence in the victory of "Ravi Naik's legacy" in the by-poll scheduled for April 9.
Fadnavis said that schemes initiated by the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar transformed the lives of common people in Goa, which was strengthened by Pramod Sawant.
"Goa is turning into an educational hub. Today, money is not the most important factor, but human resources are," he said, adding that skilled and educated manpower makes a difference.
"That is why trade, industry, and employment naturally come to places that are education hubs," he said.
Referring to the World Economic Forum summit at Davos, Fadnavis said only two states were widely discussed: Maharashtra and Goa.
"You brought in investments worth Rs 8,000 crore. Across Davos, people were discussing how such a small state like Goa could attract such large investments. I told them that it is because investors have confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Government of Goa, and Narendra Modi ji," he added.