Manoj Tiwary Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Neglect and Corruption Post-Election Defeat
Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee
Manoj Tiwary, a former cricketer for India, has made serious allegations against Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), following the party's recent electoral defeat.
The TMC, under Banerjee's leadership, has lost its 15-year hold on power in West Bengal, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning a clear mandate in the latest Assembly elections. In the wake of this loss, Tiwary, who had previously resigned from the party, has voiced his grievances.
Tiwary's Experience in TMC
During the TMC's third consecutive term, Tiwary served as the Minister of State for Sports. He has now shared his experiences within the party, recounting an incident where he felt dismissed by Banerjee.
In a post on Facebook, Tiwary expressed his frustration, stating, "I attempted to meet the Chief Minister multiple times but received no response. After a cabinet meeting, I decided to confront her directly about pressing issues."
He recalled, "When I finally spoke to her, she retorted, 'Don't I have anything else to do?' She didn’t allow me even a moment to explain my concerns. Had she listened, perhaps things could have been different."
Concerns Over Party Dynamics
Tiwary's allegations intensified when he claimed he was asked to pay INR 5 crore for an MLA ticket before the elections, a demand he refused, which he believes cost him a nomination.
He also criticized the outgoing Sports Minister, Arup Biswas, claiming he was marginalized within the department and excluded from significant sporting events.
Tiwary remarked, "In the sports department, my role was limited to consuming tea and biscuits. I was not invited to any events. Even during the Durand Cup, I was sidelined because Biswas couldn't handle my presence."
Absence from Messi's Event
The former cricketer further revealed that he did not attend Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata, which was marred by mismanagement. He cited repeated insults and a sense of foreboding as reasons for his absence.
"I felt something was off, and I chose not to be there. The embarrassment caused to sports fans in the state was palpable, especially when Messi left shortly after arriving due to the chaos orchestrated by Biswas," Tiwary stated.
End of Tiwary's Political Journey
With his resignation from the All India Trinamool Congress, Tiwary has concluded his association with the party, expressing dissatisfaction with its internal operations and alleging corruption and a lack of accountability.
Despite his background as a prominent cricketer, Tiwary lamented his inability to make a significant impact in the sports department, feeling largely overlooked throughout his tenure.