From Rickshaw Puller to Proud Father: Panchanan Barman, Dad of Rajganj TMC Candidate Swapna Barman, Dies
Siliguri, March 21, 2026 — A wave of profound grief has descended upon the family of Asian Games gold medalist and Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Swapna Barman. Her father, Panchanan Barman, breathed his last following a prolonged and difficult battle with illness.
The tragic loss comes at a highly crucial and emotional juncture for the star athlete, who recently stepped into the political arena and was actively campaigning as the TMC’s official candidate for the Rajganj assembly seat in the neighboring Jalpaiguri district.
A Long Battle with Illness
Panchanan Barman’s life was a testament to quiet resilience and sacrifice. A former rickshaw puller who worked tirelessly to provide for his family in Ghosh Para village, his life took a tragic turn in 2013 when a severe stroke left him permanently bedridden.
Despite his physical limitations and the family’s severe financial hardships, Panchanan remained his daughter’s biggest silent supporter. He harbored a fierce dream of seeing Swapna conquer the sporting world. His dream was spectacularly realized when Swapna overcame tremendous odds—including the physical pain of competing with six toes on each foot—to clinch the historic Heptathlon gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Heartbreak on the Campaign Trail
The timing of his passing is especially heartbreaking. Just weeks ago, Swapna formally joined the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata and was quickly awarded the party ticket to contest the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections from her home turf of Rajganj (SC).
She had already hit the ground running, launching her election campaign and connecting with local voters. However, the demise of her father has forced the champion athlete to pause her political engagements to mourn alongside her mother, Basana Barman, and her siblings.
Condolences Pour In
News of Panchanan Barman’s death has cast a pall of gloom over the North Bengal region. Condolences have been pouring in from across the political and sporting spectrum. Local TMC leadership, political rivals, and members of the athletic community have expressed their deep sympathies to the grieving Barman family during this incredibly difficult time.