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Swapna Barman: From Asian Games Gold to TMC Candidate, Inspired by Mamata

Indian heptathlete and Arjuna Awardee Swapna Barman has revealed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally approached her to join the Trinamool Congress and work on strengthening the state's sports sector. Barman, the 2018 Asian Games gold medallist, is now the TMC candidate from the Rajganj constituency, replacing the sitting MLA. Her candidacy comes as sports personalities become a focal point in the Bengal elections, with tennis legend Leander Paes recently joining the BJP. The state will vote for its 294-member assembly in two phases later this month.

Key Points: Swapna Barman on Joining TMC, Strengthening Bengal Sports

  • Barman joined TMC in February
  • Inspired by Mamata Banerjee
  • Contesting from Rajganj seat
  • Replaces sitting MLA Khageswar Roy
  • Sports figures active in Bengal polls
2 min read

"CM approached me to strengthen Bengal's sports sector": TMC's Heptathlete candidate Swapna Barman

Heptathlete Swapna Barman says CM Mamata Banerjee approached her to join TMC and strengthen Bengal's sports sector as she contests from Rajganj.

"She approached me to work for North Bengal and told me to strengthen Bengal's sports sector. - Swapna Barman"

Jalpaiguri, April 2

Indian Heptathlete and TMC candidate from Rajganj, Swapna Barman, on Thursday said that she was approached by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to join the party and strengthen the state's sports sector.

Speaking to ANI, Barman noted that people involved in politics are "simple" as compared to sports.

She said, "Politics is very different from sports. Here, the people are very simple, and I am receiving immense love from people. Everyone is saying that she is our daughter, and we will vote for her. I get inspired and motivated by Mamata Banerjee. She approached me to work for North Bengal and told me to strengthen Bengal's sports sector."

Arjuna Awardee and 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman had joined the TMC on February 27.

"Today, in the presence of Bratya Basu, Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Gautam Deb, Arjuna Awardee and 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman joined the Trinamool Congress family. We warmly welcome her and are confident that, inspired by the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, she will continue to serve the people of Bengal with the same commitment and fighting spirit that defined her sporting career," TMC posted on X.

Swapna Barman is contesting the elections from the Rajganj constituency, replacing TMC's sitting MLA Khageswar Roy in the constituency. TMC has held the seat since 2011.

On Wednesday, TMC MP and General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee held an election rally in Rajganj to appeal to the electors to vote for Swapna Barman.

Sports personalities have become a talking point in the West Bengal Assembly elections, as Olympic medalist and former ace Tennis star Leander Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The tennis legend Leander Paes previously debuted in politics with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC in 2021.

The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see athletes getting recognition. But honestly, I'm getting tired of this trend where every celebrity is given a ticket. Does she have any ground-level political experience? We need people who understand governance, not just popular faces. Hope she proves me wrong.
A
Arjun K
As a sports fan, I'm happy. Bengal has produced so many champions but the sports sector needs a push. If someone like Swapna, who knows the struggles firsthand, can work on it, that's a big plus. All the best to her!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Leander Paes with BJP and Swapna with TMC. It feels like parties are just picking sports stars for their vote bank appeal rather than any real policy vision for sports. The focus should be on creating systems, not symbols.
V
Vikram M
She says people in politics are "simple" compared to sports... that's a very diplomatic thing to say! 😄 Jokes aside, her story is incredible. Coming from a humble background and achieving so much. If that determination translates to public service, Rajganj is lucky.
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Nisha Z
Finally, a candidate from our region who is a national pride! We need more such local icons in politics. Didi has made a good choice. Hope Swapna didi focuses on youth development and sports academies in North Bengal.

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