Organisation plans to move Election Commission, alleges attempt to divide secular votes and create voter confusion
Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goans for Goa (GFG) has announced its opposition to the registration of a proposed political party under the name “Goa Congress Party”, alleging that the move is aimed at splitting secular votes ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued on July 2, GFG said it was “deeply shocked and disturbed” by reports that individuals were attempting to launch a new political party under the proposed name at a time when efforts were being made to unite secular and like-minded political forces against communal politics.
The organisation contended that the timing of the proposal raises concerns and could weaken the secular vote, particularly in South Goa, while benefiting political forces that thrive on divisions.
GFG President Kennedy Afonso said the organisation had carefully deliberated on the issue and decided against launching any political party of its own in the larger public interest. Instead, it has resolved to file a formal objection before the Election Commission of India against the registration of the proposed party.
According to GFG, the name “Goa Congress Party” closely resembles that of the Indian National Congress and has the potential to mislead voters and create confusion, especially among rural and elderly voters.
The organisation also pointed out that a political party bearing the same name had existed in Goa in the past under the leadership of Dr Wilfred D’Souza before merging with the Congress in 1989. It alleged that reviving the name could be viewed as an attempt to exploit its legacy and mislead the electorate.
GFG urged the Election Commission to reject the proposed name and direct its promoters to adopt a distinct identity that cannot be mistaken for any existing or historically significant political party.
The organisation also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to divide votes through confusion and political engineering, asserting that Goa needs unity rather than fragmentation.
