Manoj Tiwary Makes Explosive Claims Against TMC After Political Exit

A Career Shift: From the Cricket Pitch to Political Turmoil

Manoj Tiwary, the former Indian international cricketer and a prominent figure in the Bengal cricketing landscape, has announced the end of his five-year political tenure. The 40-year-old, who transitioned from the crease to the legislative assembly in 2021, has decided to hang up his political boots following the Trinamool Congress (TMC) electoral setbacks in West Bengal. What began as a hopeful foray into public service has culminated in a series of sensational allegations that have sent shockwaves through the sporting and political communities alike.

The 5 Crore Allegation

In a candid interview with PTI following Monday’s election results, Tiwary did not mince words. He openly alleged that during his time with the party, he was asked to pay a staggering INR 5 crore to secure an MLA ticket. “I was asked to pay INR 5 crore to get a ticket, and I refused,” he stated. Tiwary further claimed that approximately 70 to 72 individuals had allegedly paid similar sums to secure their candidacies, questioning the legitimacy and success rate of those who chose to pay.

Tiwary expressed that the election debacle was not a surprise to him, citing a lack of genuine development and deeply entrenched corruption within the party structure. For a man who played the game with passion, the lack of transparency in the political arena was a bridge too far.

Frustration Over Constituency Development

The former Kolkata Knight Riders star, who was part of the 2012 IPL-winning squad, opened up about the daily struggles of being an MLA. He recounted the immense frustration of attempting to deliver basic infrastructure to the people of his constituency in Shibpur. According to Tiwary, simple tasks like drainage maintenance were frequently ignored by higher authorities.

“Being an MLA, I had to run around to get drainage work in my area done. People never cared. On several occasions, I used my own money to get the work done,” he revealed. This highlights a disconnect between the promises made by the leadership—specifically regarding underground drainage systems—and the reality on the ground.

Internal Dynamics and the Sports Ministry

Tiwary’s critique extended to the internal administration of the sports department. He pointedly criticized outgoing sports minister Aroop Biswas, suggesting a lack of competency in the role. “Aroop Da doesn’t know anything about sports,” Tiwary remarked, noting the awkward dynamics that occurred when they were both present at official functions.

The former cricketer also touched upon the controversial visit of football icon Lionel Messi to Kolkata. Tiwary admitted that he intentionally stayed away from the event, suspecting that the event was being orchestrated for optics rather than the benefit of the common people. “Common people were taken for a ride, and I didn’t want to be part of it,” he explained.

Looking Ahead: A Chapter Closed

When pressed on his future in public life, Tiwary was firm and unequivocal: “That chapter is over.” His exit marks a significant moment for both the sporting world and the regional political landscape. Having served as the Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Tiwary’s transition back to a life outside of active politics leaves many wondering about the future of sports governance in Bengal. While his political journey may have ended in controversy, Tiwary remains a respected name in Indian cricket, and his decision to prioritize integrity over political expediency has sparked a much-needed conversation about the intersection of sports and governance in the country.