Watch: ‘₹5 Crore for MLA Ticket!’— Manoj Tiwary makes shocking claim after leaving TMC post 2026 Bengal polls

Manoj Tiwary, a former Indian cricketer and outgoing MLA of the Trinamool Congress, has announced his decision to quit the party following the results of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. He stated that the “TMC chapter is over” and alleged that he was denied a ticket from Howrah’s Shibpur constituency after refusing to pay ₹5 crore.

The former Kolkata Knight Riders player spoke candidly about his experience, asserting that such practices should not be overlooked. His remarks have rapidly gained traction on social media, triggering widespread discussion across political circles and among the public.

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Tiwary’s allegations have added a fresh layer of controversy in the post-election landscape, with growing calls for transparency and accountability. It now remains to be seen how the party responds to these serious claims in the coming days.

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Tiwary Levels Serious Allegations After TMC Exit, Cites ‘Cash-for-Ticket’ Practice

Manoj Tiwary has made explosive allegations following his exit from the Trinamool Congress after the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. He claimed that several candidates were given party tickets in exchange for hefty payments, suggesting that such practices played a key role in the party’s poor performance.

The former cricketer-turned-politician, who also served as Minister of State for Sports under Mamata Banerjee, did not hold back in his criticism. He pointed to corruption and lack of development across sectors as major reasons behind the party’s electoral setback, adding that the outcome did not come as a surprise given the internal functioning of the party.

“Only those who could pay hefty money could buy tickets. At least 70–72 candidates this time paid around ₹5 crore to secure a ticket. I was also asked, but I refused to pay. Just check how many of those who paid have managed to win,” he told PTI.

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“As far as TMC is concerned, that chapter is over for me,” Tiwary declared. “I am not surprised by this debacle. This was bound to happen when an entire party indulged in corrupt practices and there was no development in any sector.”

Tiwary also addressed the controversy surrounding the Lionel Messi Kolkata event. The poorly managed event at Salt Lake Stadium led to chaotic scenes, with fans unable to get a clear view of Lionel Messi as several high-profile attendees crowded around him, eventually forcing his early exit due to security concerns.

“I knew something like this would happen and refrained from attending. I didn’t want to be part of an event where common people were taken for a ride. I repeatedly requested Aroop da to introduce a proper sports policy as per the allocated budget, but he never responded,” he added.

Declaring his journey with the party over, Tiwary reflected on his political career. He revealed that he was initially reluctant to enter politics despite being offered a Lok Sabha ticket in 2019. However, he eventually contested and won the Shibpur seat in 2021 after being persuaded by Mamata Banerjee, hoping to bring meaningful change.

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Manoj Tiwary’s Cricket Career and Role in State Government

Manoj Tiwary, a 40-year-old former India batter, remains the highest run-scorer in the history of Bengal cricket, with 10,195 runs in first-class cricket. Alongside his sporting career, he also served as Minister of State for Sports in the government led by Mamata Banerjee.

In first-class cricket, Tiwary amassed 10,195 runs from 148 matches at an impressive average of 47.86, including 30 centuries. In List A cricket, he scored 5,581 runs from 169 matches at an average of 42.28, registering six centuries.

At the international level, Tiwary represented India in 12 matches, scoring 287 runs at an average of 26.09. His record includes one century and one half-century, reflecting his contributions across formats.