TMC cancidate Swapna Barman clears poll hurdle as Railway issues ‘no dues’ certificate

The hurdles in filing the nomination for former Asian Games gold medalist Swapna Barman have been cleared after she received the necessary ‘No Dues’ certificate from the Indian Railways. Swapna, who has been fielded by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as their candidate from the Rajganj Assembly constituency, faced a technical crisis regarding her candidacy due to her previous employment status with the Railways.

Swapna Barman was serving as a Staff and Welfare Inspector in the Railways, but her transition from government service to active politics was marred by administrative complexities. Reports indicate that she has been formally dismissed from her post, a necessary step that allows her to contest the elections as a non-government employee. The receipt of the 'No Dues' certificate was the final mandatory document required to ensure her nomination paper was not rejected during the scrutiny process.

The TMC’s decision to field the celebrated heptathlete from Rajganj is seen as a strategic move to leverage her local popularity and sporting legacy in North Bengal. However, the delay in obtaining clearance from the Railway authorities had caused brief concern within the party camp. With the certificate now in hand, the athlete-turned-politician is set to officially submit her papers and hit the campaign trail with full momentum.