Swapna Barman, 2018 Asian Games Gold Medalist, Joins Trinamool Congress
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Kolkata, Feb 27 (NationPress) - Swapna Barman, the gold medalist in Heptathlon at the 2018 Asian Games, officially joined the Trinamool Congress on Friday. She is anticipated to be a candidate for the party in the upcoming Assembly elections from her home district of Jalpaiguri.
Barman visited Trinamool Bhavan, the party's state headquarters, on Friday afternoon, where she was warmly welcomed by state Education Minister Bratya Basu and Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge), Chandrima Bhattacharya.
During the induction ceremony, Bhattacharya presented her with the flag of the Trinamool Congress.
After her induction, Barman expressed, "The life of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has always inspired me, which motivated my decision to join the Trinamool Congress. I aspire to work towards the welfare of the common people, and I believe that Trinamool Congress is the ideal platform for this mission."
Also present was senior Trinamool leader and Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Gautam Deb, who praised Barman's achievements. "She has made India proud on the international sports stage. Now, with her entry into politics, she can focus on advancing sports development in our state," he remarked.
Basu also commented on the protests by wrestlers in New Delhi, highlighting the unfavorable treatment they received from the Delhi Police, which he suggested reflects the Bharatiya Janata Party's attitude towards sports personalities.
Having secured a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, Barman later announced her retirement from competitive sports due to injuries. She is currently employed by the Indian Railways.
In January, Chief Minister Banerjee honored her during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri, which sparked rumors regarding her potential alignment with the Trinamool Congress.