The political heat in West Bengal has intensified following a sensational allegation by former cricketer-turned-politician Manoj Tiwary. After the recent electoral setback faced by Trinamool Congress, Tiwary has claimed that he was denied a party ticket because he refused to pay ₹5 crore.

Tiwary, who is also a former MLA and served as Sports Minister in the government led by Mamata Banerjee, has now publicly announced his separation from the party. His remarks have triggered a fresh political controversy in the state.

Allegation of Money for Tickets

Speaking about the reason behind his exit, Tiwary alleged that the party demanded a hefty sum in exchange for a ticket. According to him, he chose not to comply with the demand, which ultimately cost him the opportunity to contest.

He further claimed that he was not the only one approached. As per his statement, dozens of candidates were allegedly asked to pay similar amounts, and many of them agreed. He also questioned how many of those candidates were actually successful in the elections.

Reaction to TMC’s Electoral Defeat

Commenting on the party’s performance in the recent elections, Tiwary said the outcome did not surprise him. He linked the defeat to issues such as corruption and lack of development.

According to him, when political decisions are influenced by financial factors rather than merit or public service, it can negatively impact both governance and electoral results. His remarks suggest that internal issues within the party may have contributed to its poor showing.

Claims of Ignored Development Issues

Tiwary also expressed dissatisfaction over his experience as a legislator. He alleged that several development concerns raised by him were not addressed during his tenure.

He specifically mentioned infrastructure challenges in the Howrah region, including drainage problems. Despite repeated efforts, he claimed that local authorities did not respond adequately. According to him, even basic civic projects faced obstacles, forcing him to step in personally.

Personal Investment in Public Work

Highlighting his commitment, Tiwary stated that he went beyond official resources to complete development work in his constituency. He claimed that in several cases, he used his own funds in addition to government allocations to ensure projects were completed.

This, he said, reflects his dedication to public service, despite facing administrative hurdles.

Background of Manoj Tiwary

Before entering politics, Manoj Tiwary had an illustrious cricketing career. He remains one of the most successful players in Bengal’s domestic cricket history, having scored 36 centuries. His transition from sports to politics had drawn significant attention, especially during his tenure as a minister.

Political Implications

Tiwary’s allegations have added a new dimension to the political discourse in West Bengal. While the Trinamool Congress has not officially responded to these claims, the controversy is likely to spark debate over transparency and candidate selection processes.

Final Takeaway

The explosive claims made by Manoj Tiwary have raised serious questions about internal practices within political parties. Whether these allegations lead to further investigation or political fallout remains to be seen.