Manoj Tiwary Quits TMC: Former India Cricketer Alleges Corruption and Bribe Demand

The End of a Political Chapter

In a move that has sent ripples through the sporting and political landscapes of West Bengal, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has announced his resignation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The 40-year-old, who once shared the dressing room with legends like MS Dhoni during his time with Rising Pune Supergiant, has not minced his words regarding his departure. Tiwary’s exit comes against the backdrop of significant electoral shifts in the state and paints a grim picture of the inner workings of his former party.

Allegations of Corruption and Ticket Selling

At the heart of Tiwary’s accusations is the claim that political candidacy within the TMC was determined by financial strength rather than merit. According to Tiwary, the party’s electoral struggles—which saw a major surge for the BJP—were entirely predictable due to deep-seated graft. He alleged that aspirants were forced to pay astronomical sums to secure a ticket. ‘At least 70-72 candidates this time paid around Rs five crore to get a ticket,’ Tiwary claimed, noting that he was asked to participate in this practice but flatly refused.

A ‘Meaningless’ Ministerial Role

Tiwary’s disillusionment did not happen overnight. After winning the 2021 assembly election from the Shibpur constituency, he served as the Minister of State for Sports. However, he quickly realized that the title was merely symbolic. He described his experience in party meetings as one where internal democracy was nonexistent. ‘I was given a Lollypop called MoS which basically meant nothing,’ he stated, recounting instances where his attempts to address constituent grievances were dismissed by top leadership.

Infrastructure Struggles and Administrative Roadblocks

Beyond the politics of the party, Tiwary highlighted the sheer frustration of being an MLA who could not deliver basic services. He pointed to the broken drainage and sewage systems in Howrah, which he spent his tenure trying to fix, only to be blocked by municipal authorities. He argued that the lack of municipal elections left control in the hands of loyalists who prioritized their own interests over public development.

Clearing the Air on Extortion Allegations

During his time in office, Tiwary faced rumors of extortion, particularly regarding local builders. He laughed off these accusations, pointing to his long and successful career in cricket as proof that he had no need for illegal funds. ‘I had declared that I had Rs 20 crore in cash. I have played IPL for 10 years, first-class cricket for 20 years… I don’t need extortion money,’ he asserted, characterizing the rumors as political sabotage by local councillors.

The Path Ahead: Returning to the Pitch

With his political career officially behind him, the former India cricketer is looking forward to returning to his roots. Tiwary, who has successfully passed his BCCI Level 2 coaching examination with distinction, is now turning his attention toward a career in professional coaching. ‘The Cricket Association of Bengal had invited applications for head coach’s post. I have passed my BCCI Level 2 exam with distinction and want to pursue serious coaching in near future,’ he concluded.

As Tiwary pivots back to cricket, his tenure in politics serves as a cautionary tale of the friction between professional integrity and the complexities of political systems. Whether or not his claims lead to a formal investigation, the sporting world is certainly watching his transition back to the game with keen interest.