At a time when growing voices are accusing sections of the Trinamool Congress leadership of amassing wealth through corruption and abuse of power, Swapan Rajak, the Pradhan of Sonagara Panchayat in Raipur, Bankura, stands as a rare exception—an elected representative who remains a daily wage earner.
Swapan, who secured his position in the 2023 Panchayat elections from Kadamgarh Sangsad under the Trinamool banner, has not distanced himself from his humble roots.
Despite occupying the chair of the panchayat head, he is still seen behind the wheel of his motorised cycle van—transporting construction materials and even loading and unloading goods himself.
His reason is both simple and strikingly honest: “As Pradhan, I receive a monthly honorarium of only Rs 5,000. That isn't enough to support my family. I earn around Rs 10,000 more by driving a van. So I couldn’t afford to leave this work,” he said candidly.
The 35-year-old, educated up to the higher secondary level, previously earned his living through the trade of sal leaves. Around seven years ago, he purchased a motorised van to support his family—a livelihood he continues to depend on even after assuming office.
Swapan’s household includes his wife, two children, and elderly parents. He believes dignity lies in honest labour, not hollow prestige.
“There is no shame in being called a van driver, even if I am the Pradhan,” he asserts.
Swapan’s dual role—as a public representative and as a van driver—has drawn admiration from the local residents.
“He has remained grounded,” said Tapan Dey and Tanmoy Haldar, both locals.
“He runs the office efficiently, attends all party programmes and yet continues his day job like before. That kind of simplicity is rarely seen these days,” said Dey.
Even his political opponents acknowledge Swapan’s clean image.
“There have been no allegations of corruption against Swapan,” said BJP’s Sonagara convenor, Dashrath Roy.
Roy, however, criticised the lack of visible developmental work during Swapan’s tenure.
On the other hand, Madhusudan Mahato, a CPI(M) district committee member, remarked with sarcasm:
“Trinamool leaders are corrupt from top to bottom. It’s at least a relief that this one hasn't abandoned his real job.”
Trinamool’s Bankura district president and MP, Arup Chakraborty, praised Swapan as an embodiment of the party’s values.
“Swapan is an honest man and a committed leader. The opposition should learn from him instead of making baseless accusations.”
In an era where political office is often perceived as a shortcut to prosperity, Swapan’s humility and work ethic offer a rare and refreshing contrast—a reminder that public service, at its core, should still mean serving the public.
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