Former India Cricketer Quits Trinamool Congress Over '5 Crore' Demand For Ticket

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary claims TMC denied him a ticket for refusing to pay Rs 5 crore. He slams the party for corruption following the BJP's sweep in Bengal.

Manoj Tiwary ended Trinamool Congress association, citing corruption.

Source : PTI

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

• Manoj Tiwary ended Trinamool Congress association, citing financial corruption.
• He alleged party tickets were sold for significant payments.
• Tiwary felt his ministerial role was ceremonial and ignored.
• He is now seeking a cricket coaching position.

The former India cricketer and outgoing Trinamool Congress legislator Manoj Tiwary has announced that his association with the party has ended. He levelled serious allegations regarding the internal financial conduct of the organisation following the recent assembly election results. Tiwary claimed that the party demanded a significant payment in exchange for a constituency ticket.

Allegations of Corruption

The forty-year-old batter suggested that the recent electoral defeat was an inevitable consequence of systemic corruption. He stated that development had stalled across various sectors during the previous administration's tenure.

“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 told PTI.

Ticket Pricing Claims

Tiwary alleged that the selection of candidates was based on financial contributions rather than merit. He claimed that dozens of individuals paid substantial sums to secure their positions on the ballot.

“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,” he said.

Ministerial Frustrations

The former Minister of State for Sports expressed frustration over his lack of influence within the cabinet. He described his role as largely ceremonial and claimed that senior leadership frequently ignored his concerns.

“I have attended meetings where all TMC ministers were summoned. Now I was given a Lollypop called MoS which basically meant nothing,” Tiwary explained during the interview with PTI.

Future in Coaching

Having moved away from the political sphere, the veteran of over ten thousand first-class runs is looking to return to cricket. He has officially applied for a prestigious coaching role.

“The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had invited applications for head coach's post. I have passed my BCCI Level 2 exam with 'distinction' and want to pursue serious coaching,” Tiwary concluded.