Swapna Barman, the 2018 Asian Games Heptathlon gold medalist, has officially joined the Trinamool Congress. She is expected to be a candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections from one of the assembly constituencies in Jalpaiguri, her hometown. Barman was warmly welcomed into the party at the Trinamool Bhavan by state Education Minister Bratya Basu and Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge), Chandrima Bhattacharya.
Barman expressed her admiration for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing her as a source of inspiration for joining the Trinamool Congress. She emphasized her desire to contribute to the welfare of the people through the party. The Trinamool Congress flag was handed over to Barman by Bhattacharya during her official induction into the party.
Senior Trinamool leader and Siliguri Municipal Corporation Mayor, Gautam Deb, commended Barman for bringing pride to India in the international sports arena. He expressed confidence in her ability to further sports development in the state through her foray into politics. Meanwhile, Education Minister Basu highlighted the mistreatment of wrestlers by the Delhi Police, citing it as a reflection of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s attitude towards sports personalities.
Barman, who retired from sports due to injuries after her Asian Games triumph, currently serves in the Indian Railways. Chief Minister Banerjee had previously honored her at an event in Siliguri, sparking speculations about her potential political affiliation. The event marked a significant moment as Barman officially joined the Trinamool Congress, aligning herself with the ruling party’s vision for public service.
