The proposed launch of a new regional political party in Goa has sparked political debate, with questions being raised over whether it could split secular votes and indirectly benefit the BJP in the next Assembly elections. The party’s office-bear ers are understood to be predominantly seafarers. Its president, Francisco Antonio Jacinto Gouveia, is currently onboard a ship and is expected to return to Goa within a fortnight. O Heraldo spoke to polit ical analysts to gauge their views on the emergence of the new party. Former State Election Commissioner Prin Prab hakar Timble said the move appeared to be a knee-jerk reaction to the Congress leadership change rather than a well-thought-out political alternative with a clear ideology or vision.
He said there was little time for the party to establish itself before the elections and added that, if voters understood the political implications, it was unlikely to damage the Opposition. On the proposed name, Timble said the Election Commission of India (ECI) would decide the matter, but if it was found to be decep tive or likely to mislead vot ers, it might not be approved. Former State Information Commissioner (SIC) Adv Juino De Souza said anyone was free to form a political party in a democracy, but registration must comply with ECI guidelines and Sec tion 29A of the Representa tion of the People Act, 1951. He noted that a new party’s name cannot be identical to or resemble that of any reg istered, recognised or even defunct party, as this could create voter confusion. He added that even parties del isted for inactivity remain registered on paper.
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AITC national spokesman Trajano D’Mello rejected claims that the proposed party was intended to split votes, calling the argument “absolutely absurd”. He said citizens had the democratic right to form political parties and present their manifesto to voters, adding that in Goa no regional party had won more than three Assembly seats before eventually be traying voters by exploiting regional sentiments.
