Current MLA
Current Party
Reservation
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Latest Election
Constituency Overview
Cumbarjua Assembly Constituency is located in **North Goa district** of **Goa** and forms part of the **North Goa Lok Sabha constituency**. Centred around the island region of **Cumbarjua (Kumbharjua)**, the constituency is one of Goa's most distinctive riverine and ecological landscapes. Nestled between the **Mandovi** and **Zuari** rivers, Cumbarjua is renowned for the **Cumbarjua Canal**, an important inland waterway linking the two rivers. The constituency is also famous for its rich mangrove forests, wetlands, crocodile habitats and traditional island villages, making it a significant centre for eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Cumbarjua enjoys good connectivity with **Panaji**, **Old Goa**, **Ponda** and neighbouring constituencies through road bridges and ferry links. Agriculture, fishing, inland waterways, tourism, horticulture and government services form the backbone of the local economy. Paddy cultivation in reclaimed **khazan lands**, coconut and cashew plantations, inland fisheries and crab farming continue to support many rural households. Tourism centred around crocodile safaris, birdwatching and nature trails has emerged as an important source of income, alongside small businesses and transport services.
Location
Approximate location of Cumbarjua Assembly Constituency, North Goa district.
2022 Election Result
Rajesh Faldessai
Votes: 6,776
Janita Pandurang Madkaikar
Votes: 3,949
Victory margin: 2,827 votes
2022 Voter Turnout
Turnout
Votes Polled
Total Electors
2017 Election Result
Pandurang Madkaikar
Votes: 12,395
Xavier Fialho
Votes: 3,961
Victory margin: 8,434 votes
2017 → 2022 Comparison
Won by BJP in 2017, flipped to INC in 2022. Winning margin narrowed from 8,434 (2017) to 2,827 (2022) — down 5,607 votes.
Political History
Cumbarjua has traditionally been one of the politically significant constituencies in central Goa. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)**, **Indian National Congress (INC)**, **Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP)**, **Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)** and independent candidates.
Infrastructure development, environmental conservation, flood management, agriculture, fisheries and employment generation have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. Preservation of wetlands and river ecosystems remains a recurring political issue.
Demographics
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Key Development Issues
Environmental conservation and infrastructure development remain the foremost priorities in Cumbarjua. Residents seek improved road connectivity, bridge infrastructure, drinking water supply, drainage systems, healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
Farmers and fishermen seek better irrigation, protection of **khazan lands**, support for inland fisheries and flood-control measures. Promotion of eco-tourism, mangrove conservation, skill development and employment opportunities for youth also remain important priorities. Protection of waterways from pollution and encroachment is another major concern.
Constituency Insights
Cumbarjua combines unique riverine ecosystems with traditional agriculture and fishing livelihoods. The electorate includes farmers, fishermen, tourism operators, government employees, traders, teachers, students and small business owners.
Agriculture, fisheries and eco-tourism dominate the local economy, while the constituency's wetlands and mangrove forests provide significant ecological value. The area's distinctive geography makes environmental sustainability central to public policy. Voters generally prioritise infrastructure, environmental protection, employment, healthcare and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Cumbarjua Assembly Constituency located?
A: Cumbarjua Assembly Constituency is located in North Goa district of Goa and forms part of the North Goa Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: Who is the current MLA of Cumbarjua?
A: Rajesh Faldessai of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the current MLA of Cumbarjua, having won the 2022 Goa Assembly election.
Q: Why is Cumbarjua Assembly Constituency important?
A: Cumbarjua is one of Goa's most ecologically important constituencies, known for the Cumbarjua Canal, mangrove forests, crocodile habitats and traditional khazan agriculture. It is also an important inland waterway connecting the Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
Q: What are the major economic activities in Cumbarjua?
A: Agriculture, inland fisheries, eco-tourism, horticulture, transport services, retail trade and government services are the major economic activities in the constituency.
Q: What are the major crops grown in Cumbarjua?
A: Paddy, coconut, cashew, arecanut, mango, banana and vegetables are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.
Q: Is Cumbarjua an urban or rural constituency?
A: Cumbarjua is a predominantly rural constituency, comprising island villages and riverine settlements surrounded by wetlands and agricultural lands.
Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Cumbarjua belong to?
A: Cumbarjua Assembly Constituency is part of the North Goa Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: What are the key development issues in Cumbarjua?
A: Wetland conservation, flood management, road connectivity, bridge infrastructure, inland fisheries, healthcare, education, drinking water supply and eco-tourism development are among the major concerns.
Q: Why is Cumbarjua famous?
A: Cumbarjua is famous for the Cumbarjua Canal, the only navigable waterway connecting Goa's Mandovi and Zuari rivers. It is also renowned for its crocodile safaris, extensive mangrove forests, rich birdlife and traditional khazan lands, which represent one of Goa's unique indigenous systems of reclaimed agriculture. The constituency is regarded as one of the state's most important ecological landscapes.
Q: What factors influence elections in Cumbarjua?
A: Environmental conservation, infrastructure development, flood management, fisheries, agricultural development, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.