Manoj Tiwary Alleges ₹5 Crore Bribe Demand, Slams TMC Corruption After BJP Sweep in West Bengal

Manoj Tiwary accused TMC of corruption and alleged a ₹5 crore ticket demand as he quit the party after BJP’s victory in West Bengal.

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress, claiming that the party’s downfall in West Bengal was inevitable due to widespread corruption. He also confirmed that he has ended his association with the party after being denied an election ticket.

Tiwary alleged that he was not given a chance to contest from Shibpur in Howrah because he refused to pay a hefty sum. His remarks come shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party registered a sweeping victory in the state assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

‘Only those who could pay hefty money could buy tickets’: Tiwary

Speaking to PTI, Tiwary did not hold back while criticising the party’s functioning and internal practices.

“Look, I am not at all surprised by this debacle. This was bound to happen when an entire party has indulged in corrupt practices and there was no development in any sector,” Tiwary said while speaking to PTI.

“Only those who could pay hefty money could buy tickets. At least 70-72 candidates this time paid around Rs five crore to get a ticket. I was asked but I refused to pay,” Tiwary added.

He further claimed that he was specifically asked to pay ₹5 crore to secure a ticket from Shibpur, which he declined, ultimately leading to his exclusion from the contest.

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Journey into politics and association with Mamata Banerjee

Tiwary also reflected on his political journey, revealing that he had initially been reluctant to enter politics despite offers from the party leadership.

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“At that time, I had played for Punjab Kings in the IPL and was still playing Ranji Trophy seriously when Didi (Mamata) wanted me to contest the Lok Sabha. I had politely declined but before the 2021 elections, Didi once again called and told me ‘Manoj, I have a message for you and Aroop will tell you,” Tiwary said.

“I was asked to contest from Shibpur and I thought that I could make a meaningful change. I have attended meetings where all TMC ministers were summoned,” Tiwary added.

Tiwary had served as Minister of State for Sports under Mamata Banerjee before the government’s recent electoral defeat.