Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 27: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar has approached the High Court challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) alleged failure to decide objections raised against the proposed registration of a political outfit named “Goa Congress Party”.

The Congress has filed three objections — on July 11, July 27 and August 2 — arguing that the proposed name is deceptively similar to “Goa Congress”, a name widely used by the GPCC, including on its official social media platforms.

The petition contends that the similarity could create confusion among voters, particularly ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. It has sought a decision on the objections before the ECI proceeds with registration of the proposed party.

Chodankar has also pointed to ECI guidelines that prohibit the registration of political parties bearing deceptively similar names.

The High Court has issued notices to the ECI and the proposed Goa Congress Party. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on September 1, subject to clearance of office objections.