'Party indulged in corrupt practices': Ex-Indian cricketer alleges TMC denied ticket over ₹5 crore demand

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has made serious allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming he was denied an election ticket after refusing to pay ₹5 crore. His remarks come after the party’s recent electoral setback in West Bengal.

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Manoj Tiwary calls out alleged corruption within TMC

Tiwary did not hold back while addressing what he described as widespread malpractice within the party, suggesting that financial considerations played a decisive role in ticket distribution.

“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.

He further alleged that monetary transactions were central to candidate selection.

“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," Manoj Tiwary added.

The former cricketer, who earlier served as Minister of State for Sports under Mamata Banerjee’s government, stated that his association with the party has now ended following the alleged denial of a ticket from Shibpur in Howrah.

No long-term political ambitions despite past involvement

Tiwary also clarified that active politics was never part of his long-term plans, despite being approached by the party on multiple occasions.

He revealed that he had initially declined an offer to contest the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, choosing to focus on his cricketing commitments at the time.

“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," he added.

While he eventually contested and won in 2021, Manoj Tiwary’s latest remarks suggest a clear shift away from political involvement moving forward.