Jennifer Monserrate, Goan BJP MLA and Former Minister, Dies at 56

Jennifer Monserrate, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Goa and former cabinet minister, has died at the age of 56. She passed away in a hospital after battling a prolonged illness, according to sources.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his sorrow over the loss of Monserrate, who represented the Taleigao constituency in North Goa. In a statement on social media platform X, he shared, "Deeply pained by the sad demise of Smt Jennifer Monserrate ji, MLA of Taleigao and former cabinet minister."

Jennifer Monserrate held the distinction of being the first woman MLA from the Taleigao constituency, a position she had held since 2012. She served three terms and was appointed a cabinet minister in July 2019, overseeing various departments including Revenue, Information Technology, and Labour and Employment.

In a political move, Monserrate was among ten Congress MLAs who joined the BJP in 2019. She contested the 2022 Goa Assembly elections on a BJP ticket.

Her husband, Atanasio Monserrate, currently serves as a minister in the state cabinet, while their son, Rohit Monserrate, is the mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji.

Chief Minister Sawant also noted, "As the first woman MLA of Taleigao and a three-term legislator, she served the people of her constituency and Goa with dedication and compassion." He extended his heartfelt condolences to Monserrate's family and to her many well-wishers during this difficult time, wishing that her soul may rest in eternal peace.

Monserrate's contributions to Goan politics and her community have been widely recognised, and her passing marks a significant loss for her constituents and the BJP party in Goa.