Digamber Kamat (born 8 March 1954) is an Indian politician. He was the Chief Minister of Goa from 2007 to 2012. CM contender, Kamat won seventh term from Margao. From 2006 to 2019, he was the president of Swimming Federation of India. Currently, he serves as an MLA from the Margao constituency. Kamat is one of the most well recognised contemporary Goan politicians. Known for his philanthropic activities for the people of Goa. Kamat is a liberal and passionate about sports, education, culture and music.

Early life

Digambar was born in Margao. He holds a bachelor's degree in science (BSc).

Political career

Digambar Vasantrao Kamat started his career as a member of the Indian National Congress. In 1994, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party Coalition government. In 2005, he again joined the Indian National Congress to support the Margao constituency voters' referendum choice. Kamat passed the baton of leadership on 6 March 2012, to a BJP majority government in the Goa Assembly Elections held in March 2012. He retained his Margao Constituency seat and continued until 2019 as elected legislative member of Margao Constituency.

Chief Minister of Goa

He became Chief Minister of Goa in 2007.

Leader of Opposition, Goa

On 17 July 2019, Digambar Kamat was unanimously chosen a leader of opposition of Goa Legislative Assembly representing the Indian National Congress. In March 2022, he was once again elected as a legislative member of Margao Constituency. On 31 March 2022, he was appointed a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC). In July 2022, he was removed as the 'Permanent Invitee' to CWC.

Defection to BJP

On 14 September 2022, Kamat along with senior Congress leader Michael Lobo, and 6 other Congress MLAs joined Bharatiya Janata Party, after meeting Dr. Pramod Sawant, BJP Chief Minister of Goa. The defection was a result of a successful Operation Kamala.

Personal life

Digambar is married to Asha and has two children.