India, March 16 -- Rajesh Verekar, a Congress leader from Ponda, has said that party unity should remain the top priority ahead of the upcoming by-election. Verekar indicated that Ketan Bhatikar is keen to contest the bypoll and said he would support him if the party leadership decides to give him the ticket.

Verekar said he has already informed the party president about Bhatikar's willingness to enter the contest. According to him, the by-election presents a significant opportunity for the Congress to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and build momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also acknowledged that some party workers might feel disappointed during the ticket selection process. However, Verekar stressed that s...