Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Manoj Tiwary made startling allegations on Tuesday, claiming that he was asked to pay Rs 5 crore to secure a party ticket for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections in 2026. Tiwary, who has been a prominent figure in the party, stated that he outright refused to comply with the demand.
Tiwary's Reaction to TMC's Electoral Performance
Speaking to PTI, Tiwary expressed his lack of surprise at the party's recent electoral setbacks. 'Look, I am not at all surprised by this debacle. This was bound to happen when an entire party has indulged in corrupt practices,' he said. The former MLA did not mince words in criticizing the party's internal culture, which he believes has strayed from its founding principles.
Allegations of Corruption Within TMC
Tiwary's allegations come at a time when the TMC is grappling with internal dissent and electoral challenges. He emphasized that the demand for money in exchange for tickets is symptomatic of a deeper rot within the party. 'This is not an isolated incident. Many aspiring candidates have faced similar demands, but they either pay up or remain silent out of fear,' Tiwary added.
The former MLA also highlighted that such practices undermine democracy and discourage honest individuals from entering politics. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged party leadership to take corrective measures.
Political Implications
The allegations are likely to fuel opposition attacks on the TMC, which has been in power in West Bengal since 2011. The party has faced multiple corruption charges in the past, including the Saradha and Narada scams. Tiwary's statement could further erode public trust in the party ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
Meanwhile, the TMC has not yet officially responded to Tiwary's claims. Party insiders suggest that the leadership may attempt to downplay the allegations, but the damage to the party's image may already be done.
As the election season heats up, such revelations are expected to dominate political discourse in the state. Voters will be watching closely to see how the TMC addresses these charges and whether it can regain their confidence.
