Joshua D'Souza, MLA for Mapusawww.knowyourmla.com

Mapusa

General

North Goa· Assembly Constituency No. 5

MLA: Joshua D'Souza

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

BJP

Reservation

General

District

North Goa

Electors

29,294

Latest Election

2022

Constituency Overview

Mapusa Assembly Constituency is located in **North Goa district** of **Goa** and forms part of the **North Goa Lok Sabha constituency**. Centred around the bustling town of **Mapusa**, the constituency is one of Goa's most important commercial, administrative and transportation hubs. Situated about 13 kilometres from Panaji, Mapusa serves as the principal market town for North Goa and is well known for its historic **Mapusa Municipal Market**, which has been a centre of trade for centuries. The town acts as a gateway to Goa's northern beach belt, including **Calangute**, **Baga**, **Anjuna**, **Vagator** and **Morjim**, making it a vital link between tourism and commerce.

Mapusa enjoys excellent connectivity through **National Highway 66**, state highways and a well-developed bus network linking it with Panaji, Pernem, Bicholim, Sanquelim, Ponda and neighbouring states. The local economy is driven by wholesale and retail trade, tourism, transport services, hospitality, finance, education, healthcare and government services. The surrounding rural areas support horticulture, coconut and cashew cultivation, while small industries, construction and real estate also contribute significantly to employment.

Location

Approximate location of Mapusa Assembly Constituency, North Goa district.

Mapusa Assembly Constituency, GoaOpen in Google Maps

2022 Election Result

WinnerBJP

Joshua D'Souza

Votes: 10,195

Runner-upINC

Sudhir Rama Kandolkar

Votes: 8,548

Victory margin: 1,647 votes

2022 Voter Turnout

Turnout

79.33%

Votes Polled

23,240

Total Electors

29,294

2017 Election Result

WinnerBJP

Francisco C. J. A. De Pinto E Souza

Votes: 10,957

Runner-upMGP

Vinod Fadke

Votes: 4,129

Victory margin: 6,828 votes

20172022 Comparison

Seat held
BJPBJP

BJP held this seat across both elections. Winning margin narrowed from 6,828 (2017) to 1,647 (2022) — down 5,181 votes.

Political History

Mapusa has traditionally been one of Goa's most politically significant urban constituencies. 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.

Urban infrastructure, commercial development, tourism, employment generation, traffic management and civic amenities have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. As North Goa's commercial centre, infrastructure and market development remain major political issues.

Demographics

Population

1,28,000

Literacy Rate

92.3%

SC Population

2%

ST Population

3.6%

Male

49.9%

Female

50.1%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Predominantly Urban

Major Sectors

Wholesale and Retail TradeTourism and HospitalityTransport ServicesGovernment ServicesHealthcareEducationReal EstateMajor Economic ActivitiesWholesale MarketsRetail CommerceHotels and RestaurantsTransport ServicesFinancial ServicesConstructionTourism Services

Key Industries

Retail TradeHospitalityLogisticsHealthcareConstructionBanking and FinanceService Industries

Key Development Issues

Urban infrastructure and commercial development remain the foremost priorities in Mapusa. Residents seek better roads, traffic management, parking facilities, public transportation, drainage systems, waste management and drinking water supply.

Business communities seek modernisation of markets, improved logistics, digital infrastructure and support for small enterprises. Expansion of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, affordable housing, employment opportunities for youth and smart city initiatives also remain important priorities.

Constituency Insights

Mapusa combines commercial activity, urban growth and tourism-related services. The electorate includes traders, transport operators, professionals, government employees, hospitality workers, teachers, students and small business owners.

Commerce dominates the local economy, while tourism and services continue to drive economic growth. The constituency's strategic location and historic market have made it one of Goa's busiest urban centres. Voters generally prioritise infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education and urban governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Mapusa Assembly Constituency located?

A: Mapusa 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 Mapusa?

A: Joshua Peter De Souza of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the current MLA of Mapusa, having won the 2022 Goa Assembly election. He serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

Q: Why is Mapusa Assembly Constituency important?

A: Mapusa is North Goa's principal commercial centre and one of the state's busiest market towns. It serves as the gateway to many of Goa's famous beach destinations and is an important hub for trade, transport and administration.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Mapusa?

A: Wholesale and retail trade, tourism, hospitality, transport services, healthcare, education, finance and government services are the major economic activities in the constituency.

Q: Is Mapusa an urban or rural constituency?

A: Mapusa is a predominantly urban constituency, covering Mapusa town and adjoining urban neighbourhoods.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Mapusa belong to?

A: Mapusa Assembly Constituency is part of the North Goa Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: What are the key development issues in Mapusa?

A: Urban infrastructure, traffic management, market modernisation, waste management, healthcare, education, affordable housing, employment generation and commercial development are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is Mapusa famous?

A: Mapusa is famous for the historic Mapusa Municipal Market, one of Goa's oldest and busiest trading centres, particularly known for its vibrant Friday Market, where traders from across the state sell agricultural produce, spices, handicrafts and local products. The town is also recognised as the commercial heart of North Goa and the gateway to popular beach destinations such as Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator.

Q: What factors influence elections in Mapusa?

A: Urban infrastructure, commercial growth, tourism, employment opportunities, traffic management, healthcare, education, civic amenities, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

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