Former Cricketer Manoj Tiwary Accuses TMC of Corruption Over Ticket Demands
In a shocking revelation, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of demanding ₹5 crore for a legislative assembly ticket. This claim surfaced after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal elections, marking a significant political shift in the state. Tiwary, who has had a successful cricket career and served as a minister, expressed his disillusionment with the party's corruption and lack of development. He also shared insights into his reluctant entry into politics and his efforts to fund local development projects. Read on to discover more about Tiwary's allegations and the implications for West Bengal's political landscape.
| May 6, 2026, 15:33 IST
Manoj Tiwary's Allegations Against TMC
Manoj Tiwary, a former Indian cricketer, has made serious allegations against the Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming that he was asked to pay ₹5 crore for a legislative assembly ticket, which he refused. This revelation comes just a day after the West Bengal assembly election results, where the TMC lost power after 15 years, allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the government for the first time in the state.
In a conversation with a news agency, Tiwary stated that his journey with the party has come to an end. He asserted that he was denied a ticket from Shibpur because he declined to pay money to the TMC. The 40-year-old cricketer is among Bengal's most successful players, having scored over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket. He also served as the Minister of State for Sports in the government led by Mamata Banerjee.
Tiwary expressed that he was not surprised by the party's defeat, attributing it to widespread corruption and a lack of development in any sector. He noted that only those who could afford to pay large sums were able to secure tickets, with at least 70-72 candidates reportedly paying around ₹5 crore each. He was also approached for a payment but chose to refuse. He questioned how many of those who paid actually won their elections.
Reflecting on his entry into politics, Tiwary mentioned that he initially had no interest and had turned down an offer to contest in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, at Mamata Banerjee's request, he agreed to run in the 2021 assembly elections. After winning the Shibpur seat, he was appointed as the Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs.
During that time, he was playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL and was also actively participating in the Ranji Trophy. He recalled that Banerjee had urged him to contest in the Lok Sabha elections, which he politely declined. However, before the 2021 elections, she reached out again, saying, 'Manoj, I have a message for you, and Arup will inform you.' He was asked to contest from Shibpur, believing he could bring about meaningful change. Tiwary claimed that during his tenure as an MLA, he personally funded development projects in his constituency. He accused Mamata Banerjee of ignoring basic issues like drainage and sewage systems in Howrah, despite his repeated reminders. He also dismissed allegations of extorting money from builders, stating that he had earned enough from his cricket career.