MAPUSA
The presence of migrant settlements has long been a feature across Goa, and Bardez taluka in North Goa is no exception.
Over the years, the growing migrant population has not only reshaped the social landscape of the region but has also become an influential factor in its political equations. Today, the “migrant vote bank” has emerged as a decisive element that can tilt electoral outcomes in key constituencies of Bardez – particularly Mapusa and Calangute.
According to political observers, the concentration of migrant voters is most pronounced in Mapusa, where their numbers are estimated between 4,000 and 5,000. Calangute follows closely, with a migrant vote share ranging from 3,000 to 4,000. Saligao and Tivim, though relatively smaller in scale, also have pockets of migrant settlements that could play a determining role in close contests.
Bloc voting power
In Mapusa, migrants have established a significant presence in neighbourhoods such as Khadpavaddo, Xavier Vaddo, Dangi Colony, Baman Vaddo, Acoi, Peddem, Faira-Alta, Laxmi Nagar, Ghateshwar Nagar, Cunchelim and Carrasvaddo — areas that are now recognised for their dense, informal settlements.
Calangute, on the other hand, witnesses large concentrations of migrant labourers and families in Arradi-Candolim and parts of Calangute and Arpora-Nagoa, while Saligao’s migrant pockets are spread across Guirim, Sangolda, Nerul, Pilerne and Verem.
Local observers argue that these migrant populations, once overlooked, now hold the potential to swing elections. “Whoever the migrants decide to support can win the elections in Calangute constituency,” remarked Premanand Diukar, president of the Calangute Constituency Forum. “Their voting pattern is usually united – they rarely split their vote,” he added.
The trend of bloc voting among migrants is what gives them political weight. Advocates like Mahesh Rane from Mapusa say the migrant electorate often votes strategically. “Since they feel insecure and want to side with power, they usually back the winning horse. And they prefer national parties that can assure them protection and continuity,” he said.
Political patronage
Behind this phenomenon lies a well-established political strategy. Over the years, politicians have helped migrants secure voter IDs and other local documentation — a move that binds them politically. “Local politicians help these migrants get enrolled as voters so they can capitalise on their support,” Rane said.
Interestingly, both Rane and Diukar allege that many migrants maintain dual voter identities — one in Goa and another in their home States. This dual allegiance enables them to vote in both places, further complicating the integrity of electoral rolls.
Political analysts recall that the creation of the migrant vote bank in Calangute began under a former MLA, who actively facilitated their settlement in Arradi-Candolim. Today, those same communities are said to owe their loyalty to the current MLA, who continues to nurture the relationship. A similar pattern exists in Mapusa, where the groundwork for a strong migrant support base was laid years ago, and the current representative continues to benefit from that legacy.
Narrow victory margins
What makes the migrant vote especially significant in Bardez is its concentrated presence in constituencies where margins of victory are often narrow. In the last few election cycles, both Mapusa and Calangute have witnessed contests decided by a few thousand votes – roughly equivalent to the estimated size of the migrant electorate.
As Bardez evolves socially and economically, the political influence of its migrant residents is only set to grow. What began as a by-product of Goa’s dependence on migrant labour has now matured into a decisive political constituency – one that both major parties will court intensely as the next assembly election draws near.
