Ponda, February 3, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday formally announced the party’s entry into the Ponda Assembly by-election, asserting that the election of an AAP MLA would trigger immediate reforms in Goa’s healthcare system, starting with the revamp of the ID Hospital.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal visited St Alex Church in Calangute, where he sought blessings for the people of Goa. He was received by Parish Priest Father Mariano Silveira. The visit, party leaders said, reflected AAP’s belief in inclusive and people-centric politics.
Kejriwal was accompanied by former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Goa In-Charge Atishi, AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik, Working President Gerson Gomes, Senior Vice President Sandesh Teleikar Dessai, Joint Secretary Manuel Cardozo, and local leaders Carol Fernandes, John Fernandes, Herton Fernandes and Sandeep Pednekar, along with party volunteers.
Addressing the media after the visit, Kejriwal said widespread public dissatisfaction with Goa’s healthcare system had prompted the party to contest the by-election.
“Yesterday I was in Ponda, and people there are extremely frustrated. Patients from across Goa are forced to rush to GMC, and even there, beds are unavailable without referrals. This is the reality under BJP governance,” he said.
Highlighting AAP’s healthcare initiatives elsewhere, Kejriwal said the party’s government in Punjab has implemented a ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme for every citizen and argued that Goans deserve similar benefits.
“I have appealed to the people of Ponda—elect an AAP MLA in the by-election and we will immediately transform the ID Hospital. Healthcare cannot wait,” he added.
AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik said the state’s healthcare system was facing a crisis due to years of neglect.
“Goa needs healthcare reform, not empty assurances. AAP has shown in Delhi and Punjab that quality healthcare is possible with the right intent and planning,” Naik said, adding that the party was offering a clear roadmap rather than promises.
Working President Gerson Gomes said AAP’s political approach is rooted in service and compassion.
“Our visit to St Alex Church reflects our belief that politics must be guided by people’s welfare. Goans are suffering due to poor health infrastructure, and AAP is committed to honest solutions,” he said.
Joint Secretary Manuel Cardozo said the public was increasingly seeing AAP as a credible alternative.
“People are tired of depending on referrals and influence for basic treatment. AAP’s promise of hospital transformation and universal health insurance is resonating strongly,” he said.
AAP reiterated its demand for a ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme for every Goan and said it would continue to raise healthcare-related issues until accessible and dignified medical facilities are ensured across the state.
