Kolkata/IBNS: Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwari has levelled serious allegations against the Trinamool Congress, claiming that ₹5 crore was demanded from each candidate during the West Bengal Assembly elections, according to media reports.
Tiwari alleged he too was asked to pay the amount but refused.
He said he had joined the party at the behest of outgoing Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, but added that that phase is over now.
The former MLA further claimed that his views were ignored despite holding a ministerial position.
Targeting outgoing minister Aroop Biswas, Tiwari said the defeated TMC candidate lacked proper understanding of the sport.
He also alleged that he was sidelined by the party during official events.
The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a landslide victory in the Assembly elections, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule in the state.
While the BJP won 207 seats, the TMC managed 80.