PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the proposed ‘Goa Congress Party’ on a petition filed by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar challenging the registration of the new political outfit.
Chodankar contended that the name ‘Goa Congress Party’ is substantially similar to ‘Goa Congress’, a name widely used by the GPCC in its public outreach and social media communications.
The petition argued that merely adding the generic word ‘Party’ does not create enough distinction and could confuse voters.
The plea stated that the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao had submitted three representations to the ECI — on July 11, July 27 and August 2 — opposing the public notice issued by the applicant on July 2 seeking registration of the proposed party. It further alleged that the ECI had not decided on the objections despite the representations.
The petition also referred to the upcoming Goa Assembly elections, with the tenure of the present Legislative Assembly due to end in March 2027. Chodankar has sought interim relief against the registration of the proposed party. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 1.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Chodankar said the Congress had no objection to the formation of a new political party but opposed the use of a name that could be confused with the Congress.
“We have no issue with any new political party coming in, as it is a democratic process. But creating confusion among voters and splitting the voters is the BJP’s aim. The BJP has taken the initiative to register the Goa Congress Party,” he alleged.
Chodankar said the objection process before the ECI was quasi-judicial and alleged that the Commission had failed to consider the objections raised by the Congress.
“ECI has already decided to give the name as they are not listening to our objections. Hence, we have lost faith in the ECI and moved the court,” he said.
