Athlete Swapna Barman joins TMC in the presence of Chandrima Bhattacharya & Bratya Basu

In a significant political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, Asian Games gold medalist Swapna Barman on Friday formally joined the All India Trinamool Congress. She joined the ruling party in the presence of state ministers Chandrima Bhattacharya and Bratya Basu, along with Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, marking another high-profile addition to the party ranks before the poll schedule is announced.

Swapna Barman, a celebrated Indian heptathlete, won gold at the 2018 Asian Games and had earlier secured top position in the heptathlon at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships. She was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2019 for her sporting achievements. Recently, during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Mahakal Mahatirtha in Siliguri, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitated her, and their brief interaction had sparked speculation about her possible political entry. Her joining the Trinamool has now confirmed those indications.

Born in Ghospara village near Jalpaiguri into a modest Rajbongshi family, Swapna overcame financial hardship and physical challenges, to rise to international acclaim. Despite battling injuries and later stepping away from athletics due to persistent back pain, she remained associated with sports and currently works with the Northeast Frontier Railway. Her entry into politics is being seen as a notable boost for the Trinamool ahead of the high-stakes Assembly elections.