Altone D'Costa, MLA for Quepemwww.knowyourmla.com

Quepem

General

Kushavati· Assembly Constituency No. 36

MLA: Altone D'Costa

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

INC

Reservation

General

District

Kushavati

Electors

33,080

Latest Election

2022

Constituency Overview

Quepem Assembly Constituency is located in **Kushavati district** of **Goa** and forms part of the **South Goa Lok Sabha constituency**. Centred around the historic town of **Quepem**, the constituency is one of southern Goa's important administrative, agricultural and mining regions. Situated along the banks of the **Kushavati River**, Quepem serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding hinterland and is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush greenery and traditional Goan villages. The constituency also includes parts of Goa's mining belt and has historically played an important role in the state's iron ore industry.

Quepem enjoys good connectivity through **National Highway 66**, state highways and road links connecting it with Margao, Canacona, Sanguem and Panaji. Agriculture remains an important source of livelihood, with paddy, coconut, cashew, arecanut, mango and spices widely cultivated. Mining, where operational, transportation, retail trade, government services, construction and small businesses contribute significantly to the local economy. Dairy farming, horticulture and fisheries in inland water bodies also support rural livelihoods. Religious tourism centred around historic temples and churches adds to the constituency's economic activity.

Location

Approximate location of Quepem Assembly Constituency, Kushavati district.

Quepem Assembly Constituency, GoaOpen in Google Maps

2022 Election Result

WinnerINC

Altone D'Costa

Votes: 14,994

Runner-upBJP

Chandrakant Kavlekar

Votes: 11,393

Victory margin: 3,601 votes

2022 Voter Turnout

Turnout

86.68%

Votes Polled

28,675

Total Electors

33,080

2017 Election Result

WinnerINC

Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar

Votes: 13,525

Runner-upBJP

Prakash Shankar Velip

Votes: 10,933

Victory margin: 2,592 votes

20172022 Comparison

Seat held
INCINC

INC held this seat across both elections. Winning margin widened from 2,592 (2017) to 3,601 (2022) — up 1,009 votes.

Political History

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

Mining, agriculture, employment generation, infrastructure development, environmental conservation and water resources have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. The regulation and revival of the mining sector have remained major political issues over the past decade.

Demographics

Population

1,15,000

Literacy Rate

89.1%

SC Population

2.1%

ST Population

10.4%

Male

50%

Female

50%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Semi Urban–Rural

Major Sectors

AgricultureMining and Allied ServicesRetail and Wholesale TradeGovernment ServicesHorticultureConstructionTransport Services

Key Industries

Mining Support ServicesCashew ProcessingFood ProcessingConstructionAgricultural TradingTransport ServicesRetail Commerce

Major Crops

PaddyCoconutCashewArecanutMangoJackfruitSpices

Key Development Issues

Economic diversification and sustainable development remain the foremost priorities in Quepem. Residents seek balanced policies that support mining-related employment while protecting forests, rivers and agricultural land.

Farmers seek improved irrigation facilities, better market access and support for horticulture and allied activities. Residents also seek improved healthcare facilities, educational institutions, road connectivity, drinking water supply and public transportation. Employment opportunities for youth, industrial investment, tourism promotion and environmental restoration of mining-affected areas remain important priorities.

Constituency Insights

Quepem combines agriculture, mining heritage and commercial activity with a rich cultural tradition. The electorate includes farmers, mine workers, traders, government employees, transport operators, teachers, students and small business owners.

Agriculture and services continue to play an important role, while mining and related industries have historically contributed significantly to the local economy. The constituency's strategic location in southern Goa and its abundant natural resources continue to influence its development priorities. Voters generally prioritise employment, infrastructure, agriculture, environmental protection, healthcare and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Quepem Assembly Constituency located?

A: Quepem 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 Quepem?

A: Altone D'Costa of the Indian National Congress (INC) is the current MLA of Quepem, having won the 2022 Goa Assembly election.

Q: Why is Quepem Assembly Constituency important?

A: Quepem is an important administrative and commercial centre in southern Goa, known for its agricultural economy, mining heritage and location along the Kushavati River. It serves as a key gateway to the interior parts of southern Goa.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Quepem?

A: Agriculture, mining-related services, horticulture, retail trade, construction, transport services and government services are the major economic activities in the constituency.

Q: What are the major crops grown in Quepem?

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

Q: Is Quepem an urban or rural constituency?

A: Quepem is a semi-urban and rural constituency, comprising Quepem town and numerous surrounding villages.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Quepem belong to?

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

Q: What are the key development issues in Quepem?

A: Sustainable mining, agricultural development, healthcare, education, road infrastructure, drinking water supply, environmental restoration, employment generation and industrial investment are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is Quepem famous?

A: Quepem is famous for its location on the Kushavati River, its rich agricultural landscape and its long association with Goa's iron ore mining industry. The constituency is also known for its historic churches, temples, traditional villages, cashew plantations and scenic countryside, making it an important cultural and economic centre in southern Goa.

Q: What factors influence elections in Quepem?

A: Mining policy, employment opportunities, agricultural development, infrastructure, environmental conservation, healthcare, education, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

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