Venzy Viegas, MLA for Benaulimwww.knowyourmla.com

Benaulim

General

South Goa· Assembly Constituency No. 32

MLA: Venzy Viegas

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

AAP

Reservation

General

District

South Goa

Electors

28,959

Latest Election

2022

Constituency Overview

Benaulim Assembly Constituency is located in **Kushavati district** of **Goa** and forms part of the **South Goa Lok Sabha constituency**. Centred around the coastal village of **Benaulim**, the constituency is one of Goa's most popular tourism destinations, known for its pristine beaches, fishing villages, Portuguese-era heritage and thriving hospitality industry. Situated along the Arabian Sea near **Margao**, Benaulim offers a blend of traditional Goan culture and modern tourism infrastructure. The constituency includes the renowned **Benaulim Beach**, **Colva Beach** and neighbouring coastal settlements that attract domestic and international visitors throughout the year.

Benaulim enjoys excellent connectivity through **National Highway 66** and a well-developed road network linking it with Margao, Panaji, Vasco da Gama and other parts of Goa. Tourism is the principal driver of the local economy, supported by hotels, resorts, restaurants, beach shacks, water sports, retail trade and transport services. Traditional fishing remains an important occupation, while coconut, cashew, paddy and horticultural cultivation continue in rural areas. Hospitality, construction, real estate and small businesses provide significant employment.

Location

Approximate location of Benaulim Assembly Constituency, South Goa district.

Benaulim Assembly Constituency, GoaOpen in Google Maps

2022 Election Result

WinnerAAP

Venzy Viegas

Votes: 6,411

Runner-upAITC

Churchill Alemao

Votes: 5,140

Victory margin: 1,271 votes

2022 Voter Turnout

Turnout

73.02%

Votes Polled

21,145

Total Electors

28,959

2017 Election Result

WinnerNCP

Churchill Alemao

Votes: 9,373

Runner-upAAP

Royla Clarina Fernandes

Votes: 4,182

Victory margin: 5,191 votes

20172022 Comparison

Seat flipped
NCPAAP

Won by NCP in 2017, flipped to AAP in 2022. Winning margin narrowed from 5,191 (2017) to 1,271 (2022) — down 3,920 votes.

Political History

Benaulim has traditionally been one of the politically significant constituencies in South Goa. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the **Goa Forward Party (GFP)**, **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)**, **Indian National Congress (INC)**, **Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)** and independent candidates.

Tourism development, coastal protection, employment generation, infrastructure, fisheries and civic amenities have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. Sustainable tourism and environmental conservation remain important political themes.

Demographics

Population

1,24,000

Literacy Rate

91.8%

SC Population

2.2%

ST Population

2.9%

Male

49.8%

Female

50.2%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Semi Urban–Coastal

Major Sectors

Tourism and HospitalityFishingRetail and Wholesale TradeReal EstateAgricultureGovernment ServicesTransport Services

Key Industries

Hotels and ResortsRestaurantsFisheriesTourism ServicesConstructionReal EstateService Industries

Major Crops

PaddyCoconutCashewArecanutVegetablesMangoBanana

Key Development Issues

Tourism management and coastal infrastructure remain the foremost priorities in Benaulim. Residents seek better roads, drainage systems, drinking water supply, sewage treatment, waste management and public transportation.

Fishing communities seek improved fish landing facilities and coastal protection measures, while tourism stakeholders advocate better beach infrastructure and promotion of sustainable tourism. Affordable housing, healthcare, educational facilities and employment opportunities for local youth also remain important priorities. Coastal erosion and environmental conservation are growing concerns.

Constituency Insights

Benaulim combines traditional fishing communities with a vibrant tourism economy. The electorate includes tourism entrepreneurs, fishermen, hospitality workers, traders, professionals, government employees, teachers, students and small business owners.

Tourism dominates the local economy, while fishing and agriculture continue to support many families. The constituency's beautiful coastline and proximity to Margao have encouraged rapid commercial and residential development. Voters generally prioritise tourism, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and environmental sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Benaulim Assembly Constituency located?

A: Benaulim Assembly Constituency is located in Kushavati district of Goa and forms part of the South Goa Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: Who is the current MLA of Benaulim?

A: Venzy Viegas of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the current MLA of Benaulim, having won the 2022 Goa Assembly election.

Q: Why is Benaulim Assembly Constituency important?

A: Benaulim is one of Goa's premier coastal tourism destinations, known for its beautiful beaches, fishing villages and hospitality industry. It is also an important contributor to the state's tourism economy.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Benaulim?

A: Tourism, hospitality, fishing, retail trade, agriculture, transport services, construction and real estate are the major economic activities in the constituency.

Q: What are the major crops grown in Benaulim?

A: Paddy, coconut, cashew, arecanut, vegetables, mango and banana are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.

Q: Is Benaulim an urban or rural constituency?

A: Benaulim is a semi-urban coastal constituency, comprising beach villages, tourism centres and surrounding rural settlements.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Benaulim belong to?

A: Benaulim Assembly Constituency is part of the South Goa Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: What are the key development issues in Benaulim?

A: Sustainable tourism, coastal protection, fishing infrastructure, road development, healthcare, education, drinking water supply, waste management and employment generation are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is Benaulim famous?

A: Benaulim is famous for its serene Benaulim Beach, its traditional fishing community, fresh seafood, Portuguese-era heritage and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Together with nearby Colva Beach, it is one of South Goa's most popular beach destinations, attracting visitors for water sports, dolphin cruises and beachside hospitality.

Q: What factors influence elections in Benaulim?

A: Tourism development, employment opportunities, fishing livelihoods, coastal conservation, infrastructure, healthcare, education, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

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