Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 3: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has dismissed concerns over the proposed formation of a political outfit named the Goa Congress Party, alleging that it is an attempt by the BJP to divide the secular vote ahead of future elections.

The reaction came after a public notice published in newspapers announced that an application had been submitted to the Election Commission of India seeking registration of a new political party under the name "Goa Congress Party."

GPCC president Girish Chodankar claimed the development was part of the BJP's strategy to weaken the opposition.

"As the Congress gains momentum across Goa and people rally behind our vision, the BJP has once again resorted to its old playbook of sponsoring another political outfit to split the secular vote because it lacks the confidence to face the people on its own record," he said.

Chodankar claimed he had learnt about the alleged move over a week ago and had publicly raised the issue during a media interaction before the notice appeared.

"What has unfolded now only reinforces those concerns," he said.

Rejecting speculation of a split within the Congress, Chodankar asserted that the party remained united.

"There is no split in the Congress. The party is united, stronger than ever, and steadily expanding its support across every region of Goa. Attempts to spread rumours and create confusion will not succeed," he said.

The Congress leader accused the BJP of repeatedly backing new political outfits whenever it faces anti-incumbency.

"After years of rising prices, unemployment, law and order concerns, corruption allegations, land controversies and broken promises, the BJP knows it cannot seek votes on governance alone," he alleged.

Chodankar said Goans were politically aware and would not be misled by attempts to divide opposition votes, expressing confidence that the electorate would reject what he described as the BJP's "divide-and-rule" strategy.