Former India cricketer and outgoing Trinamool Congress MLA Manoj Tiwary has made a startling allegation, claiming that he was denied a ticket from Howrah’s Shibpur constituency after refusing to pay ₹5 crore. Tiwary stated that his association with the party has now ended, asserting that several candidates allegedly paid large sums to secure tickets in the recent assembly elections.
Tiwary’s Allegations Against TMC
In a statement that has sent ripples through political circles, Tiwary said, 'I was asked to pay ₹5 crore for the ticket. When I refused, I was denied the opportunity to contest from Shibpur.' He further alleged that corruption is rampant within the party, with many candidates reportedly buying their way onto the candidate list.
Criticism of Party Leadership
Tiwary, who previously served as minister of state for sports in the Mamata Banerjee-led government, expressed disappointment over the lack of internal democracy in the TMC. He said he was not surprised by the election outcome, citing the party's failure to address grassroots issues. 'Despite my efforts to resolve local civic problems, I did not receive adequate support from the leadership,' he added.
Impact on Political Career
The former cricketer-turned-politician indicated that his departure from the TMC marks the end of an era. Tiwary had been a prominent face of the party in Bengal, leveraging his sporting fame to connect with voters. However, his latest remarks suggest deep-seated frustration with the party's functioning.
Reactions and Implications
Political analysts believe Tiwary's allegations could damage the TMC's image, especially in the wake of recent electoral setbacks. The party has yet to respond officially to the claims. Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized the opportunity to question the TMC's commitment to transparency and fair play.
Tiwary's revelations add to a growing list of corruption allegations within the TMC, raising questions about the party's internal dynamics and its future in Bengal politics.
