In a shocking incident that underscores the growing political tensions in West Bengal, Swapna Barman, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for Rajganj, has alleged that her residence in Jalpaiguri was deliberately set on fire by unidentified individuals. The incident occurred around 8 PM on Friday, and fortunately, no one was at home at the time, according to local police reports.

Barman, a celebrated heptathlete who gained fame after winning a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, expressed her fears over increased threats and intimidation directed towards her and her family following her defeat in the recent assembly elections. She lost the Rajganj seat to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Dinesh Sarkar by a staggering margin of over 21,400 votes, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the region that has been dominated by the TMC since 2009.

In the aftermath of the fire, Barman took to social media to voice her dismay, stating, “If I had known that this would happen, I really wouldn’t have entered politics. Today, they even burned down my house.” Her comments highlight the personal toll that political engagement can sometimes exact on individuals, especially in an environment characterized by heightened rivalry and hostility.

The police have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire, exploring whether it was an act of arson, and if so, whether it could be linked to political motivations. This incident comes on the heels of widespread reports of political violence and intimidation that have marred the post-election climate in West Bengal, where the BJP’s victory on May 4 ended the TMC’s 15-year rule.

Following her defeat, Barman joined the TMC in February, hoping to contribute positively to her constituency. However, the violent aftermath she is now experiencing raises significant concerns about the safety of political candidates and their families in the state. As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering what measures can be implemented to safeguard the democratic process amidst growing unrest.