Asian Games Gold Medallist Swapna Barman Joins TMC Ahead of Bengal Polls

Asian Games champion Swapna Barman, an Arjuna awardee and prominent athlete from Jalpaiguri, formally joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on February 27, 2026, at the party headquarters in Kolkata. The induction ceremony was attended by senior leaders including Education Minister Bratya Basu, Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb.

Barman, who belongs to the Rajbanshi community of North Bengal, said she was motivated by Mamata Banerjee’s rise from the grassroots and her welfare schemes for Bengal. Her entry into politics comes just months before the Assembly elections, sparking speculation that she may be fielded as a candidate from North Bengal.

Key Highlights

• Who: Swapna Barman, Asian Games gold medallist & Arjuna awardee.
• Event: Joined TMC on February 27, 2026, in Kolkata.
• Motivation: Inspired by Mamata Banerjee’s grassroots journey and welfare schemes.
• Community Representation: Rajbanshi face from Jalpaiguri, North Bengal.
• Political Context: Ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections, adding star power to TMC.

Her move reflects the growing trend of sports personalities entering politics, bringing both visibility and grassroots connect to parties.

Sources: The Indian Express, The Hindu, The Week, Telegraph India, Times of India