Taleigao BJP MLA and former Goa Cabinet Minister Jennifer Monserrate passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. She was 56.
A three-time legislator representing the Taleigao constituency since 2012, Monserrate was among Goa’s most prominent women politicians. She is survived by her husband, Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate, their son and Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor Rohit Monserrate, and their family.
Born on March 24, 1970, Jennifer Monserrate entered electoral politics after serving in local self-government as a Panch, Sarpanch of Taleigao and later Chairperson of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat. She was elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly in 2012 and retained the Taleigao seat in 2017 and 2022, becoming the constituency’s first woman MLA.
In July 2019, she was among the 10 Congress MLAs who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Following the merger, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inducted her into the State Cabinet, where she handled the Revenue, Information Technology, Labour and Employment portfolios. She was the only woman minister in the Cabinet at the time.
Jennifer and Atanasio Monserrate also became the first husband-and-wife duo to serve simultaneously in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed grief over her passing, recalling her contributions as the first woman MLA from Taleigao and a three-term legislator. He extended his condolences to her family and supporters and prayed for her soul to rest in eternal peace.
AAP MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas said:
“Deeply grieved by the passing of my Legislature colleague and former Minister Jennifer Monserrate. I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, their son and Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate and pray for strength for the entire family in this very difficult time. May God grant her soul eternal rest.”
Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai also paid tribute, describing Monserrate as a dedicated public representative whose commitment to public service would be remembered with respect and gratitude.
Deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague, Taleigao MLA and former Minister Jennifer Monserrate.
— Vijai Sardesai (@VijaiSardesai) July 19, 2026
Her dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the people of Goa will be remembered with respect and gratitude. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of service.
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