PANJIM: Congress is likely to file a petition before the High Court seeking voting rights to nearly 5 lakh Goan NRIs (non-resident Indians) for elections to the local self-governing bodies in line with the Assembly and Parliamentary elections.
The petition will be filed by Congress’ NRI Global Goan cell chairman Simon D’Silva, in July, after the Supreme Court pronounces it judgment on permitting NRIs to vote for Assembly and Parliamentary elections either through e-ballot or proxy.
Addressing the media on Monday, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Luizinho Faleiro said that Goan NRIs contribute largely to the State economy and hence are empowered to be part of the poll process.
Faleiro said there are nearly 5 lakh Goan NRIs across the globe of which nearly half reside in the Gulf countries.
Congress has constituted a 17-member legal and human rights committee headed by former Advocate General Subodh Kantak, which has been entrusted with the task of drafting the petition pleading that NRIs be allowed to vote in panchayat, zilla panchayat and municipal elections.
“I am not bothered whether this move will backfire on the Congress or will benefit the party. My interest is to ensure that every Goan contributing to the economy gets the right to vote,” Faleiro said in reply to a question when asked whether allowing NRIs to vote in local elections will back fire on the party considering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity amongst NRIs.
Speaking on the issue, Kantak said that in July the Supreme Court will deliver its final verdict on the recommendations of the Election Commission of India on the NRI vote. “After that we will approach the High Court with our plea,” he said.
Kantak said this will necessitate amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act, Municipality Act and Representation of People’s Act.
