Digambar Kamat, MLA for Margaowww.knowyourmla.com

Margao

General

South Goa· Assembly Constituency No. 31

MLA: Digambar Kamat

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

INC

Reservation

General

District

South Goa

Electors

29,508

Latest Election

2022

Constituency Overview

Margao Assembly Constituency is located in **South Goa district** of **Goa** and forms part of the **South Goa Lok Sabha constituency**. Centred around **Margao (Madgaon)**, Goa's second-largest city, the constituency is the commercial, financial and cultural capital of South Goa. Located in the fertile **Salcete** region, Margao has historically served as the state's principal trading centre and continues to function as a major hub for commerce, transportation, education, healthcare and administration. The city is renowned for its vibrant municipal market, Portuguese-era architecture, historic churches and cosmopolitan character, making it one of Goa's most important urban centres.

Margao enjoys excellent connectivity through **National Highway 66**, the **Konkan Railway**, and an extensive road network linking it with Panaji, Vasco da Gama, Cortalim, Canacona and neighbouring Karnataka. **Madgaon Railway Station**, one of the busiest railway stations on the Konkan Railway, serves as Goa's principal rail gateway. The local economy is driven by wholesale and retail trade, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, education, finance, professional services, government administration and transport. The city also supports numerous small and medium enterprises, commercial establishments and service industries.

Location

Approximate location of Margao Assembly Constituency, South Goa district.

Margao Assembly Constituency, GoaOpen in Google Maps

2022 Election Result

WinnerINC

Digambar Kamat

Votes: 13,674

Runner-upBJP

Manohar Ajgaonkar

Votes: 5,880

Victory margin: 7,794 votes

2022 Voter Turnout

Turnout

77.03%

Votes Polled

22,729

Total Electors

29,508

2017 Election Result

WinnerINC

Digambar Vasant Kamat

Votes: 12,105

Runner-upBJP

Sharmad Raiturkar

Votes: 7,929

Victory margin: 4,176 votes

20172022 Comparison

Seat held
INCINC

INC held this seat across both elections. Winning margin widened from 4,176 (2017) to 7,794 (2022) — up 3,618 votes.

Political History

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

Urban development, commercial growth, employment generation, public transport, civic infrastructure and heritage conservation have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. As the commercial capital of South Goa, Margao occupies a central place in the state's political and economic landscape.

Demographics

Population

1,45,000

Literacy Rate

93.1%

SC Population

2.2%

ST Population

2.6%

Male

49.7%

Female

50.3%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Predominantly Urban

Major Sectors

Wholesale and Retail TradeHealthcareEducationGovernment ServicesTourism and HospitalityBanking and FinanceTransport and LogisticsMajor Economic ActivitiesRetail CommerceWholesale MarketsHealthcare ServicesEducational ServicesHotels and RestaurantsTransport ServicesProfessional Services

Key Industries

Retail TradeHealthcareEducationHospitalityBanking and FinanceLogisticsService Industries

Key Development Issues

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

Business communities seek modernisation of markets, commercial infrastructure and digital services. Expansion of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, affordable housing, urban renewal projects and environmental conservation also remain important priorities. Flood management during the monsoon and preservation of heritage buildings are recurring civic concerns.

Constituency Insights

Margao combines commercial activity with education, healthcare and public administration. The electorate includes traders, professionals, government employees, healthcare workers, teachers, students, transport operators and small business owners.

Trade and services dominate the local economy, while tourism and hospitality contribute significantly to employment. The city's role as South Goa's commercial hub attracts people from across the state for business, education and healthcare. Voters generally prioritise infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education and urban governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Margao Assembly Constituency located?

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

Q: Who is the current MLA of Margao?

A: Digambar Vasant Kamat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the current MLA of Margao, having won the 2022 Goa Assembly election. He is a former Chief Minister of Goa.

Q: Why is Margao Assembly Constituency important?

A: Margao is Goa's second-largest city and the commercial capital of South Goa. It is one of the state's principal centres for trade, transport, education, healthcare and administration, making it one of Goa's most influential urban constituencies.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Margao?

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

Q: Is Margao an urban or rural constituency?

A: Margao is a predominantly urban constituency, covering Goa's largest city outside Panaji and its adjoining neighbourhoods.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Margao belong to?

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

Q: What are the key development issues in Margao?

A: Urban infrastructure, traffic management, drainage, waste management, public transportation, healthcare, education, affordable housing, commercial development and heritage conservation are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is Margao famous?

A: Margao is famous as the commercial capital of South Goa, home to the bustling Margao Municipal Market, Madgaon Railway Station, historic churches, Portuguese-era architecture and vibrant cultural life. It is also a major centre for education, healthcare, shopping and business, attracting visitors from across Goa and neighbouring states.

Q: What factors influence elections in Margao?

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

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