Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) [India], April 2 (ANI): Indian Heptathlete and TMC candidate from Rajganj, Swapna Barman, on Thursday said that she was approached by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to join the party and strengthen the state's sports sector.

Speaking to ANI, Barman noted that people involved in politics are 'simple' as compared to sports.

She said, 'Politics is very different from sports. Here, the people are very simple, and I am receiving immense love from people. Everyone is saying that she is our daughter, and we will vote for her. I get inspired and motivated by Mamata Banerjee. She approached me to work for North Bengal and told me to strengthen Bengal's sports sector.'

Arjuna Awardee and 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman had joined the TMC on February 27.

'Today, in the presence of Bratya Basu, Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Gautam Deb, Arjuna Awardee and 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman joined the Trinamool Congress family. We warmly welcome her and are confident that, inspired by the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, she will continue to serve the people of Bengal with the same commitment and fighting spirit that defined her sporting career,' TMC posted on X.

Swapna Barman is contesting the elections from the Rajganj constituency, replacing TMC's sitting MLA Khageswar Roy in the constituency. TMC has held the seat since 2011.

On Wednesday, TMC MP and General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee held an election rally in Rajganj to appeal to the electors to vote for Swapna Barman.

Sports personalities have become a talking point in the West Bengal Assembly elections, as Olympic medalist and former ace Tennis star Leander Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The tennis legend Leander Paes previously debuted in politics with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC in 2021.

The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. (ANI)