West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Manoj Tiwari reacts after being snubbed from poll ticket
Manoj Tiwary Considers New Path After TMC Candidate List Snub
West Bengal’s political landscape frequently presents its share of surprises, particularly when the Trinamool Congress (TMC) unveils its candidate lists for various elections. A recurring feature of these announcements, especially since the party assumed power, has been the inclusion of prominent personalities from the worlds of entertainment and sports. These choices often inject fresh energy and a touch of glamour into the electoral battle. One such notable induction was former Bengal cricket captain Manoj Tiwary, who joined the TMC fold ahead of the 2021 assembly elections.
Tiwary’s political debut was significant. Not only was he given a ticket to contest, but following his victory, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also appointed him as a minister in her cabinet, overseeing the state’s sports and youth affairs portfolio. His journey from the cricket pitch to the political arena, and then to a ministerial berth, was a widely discussed narrative. However, the recent candidate list for the upcoming electoral challenges has seen Tiwary’s name conspicuously absent, a development that has left the former cricketer feeling a mixture of disappointment and resentment. Omni 360 News brings a detailed report on the unfolding situation.
For a period following the candidate list declaration, Manoj Tiwary maintained a largely subdued stance. However, his recent public statements can only be described as an outpouring of his sentiments, hinting strongly at a potential shift in his political allegiance. The former state sports minister explicitly stated that he is not ruling out the possibility of joining another political party. “I have received offers from other parties,” Tiwary revealed, “but I haven’t decided anything yet. I will discuss it with my wife before making a final decision.” This frank admission suggests a serious consideration of his future beyond the TMC, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
When questioned about his feelings regarding being dropped from the candidate list, Tiwary did not shy away from expressing his hurt. “There will naturally be a bad feeling,” he confessed. He recounted the circumstances of his entry into politics five years ago, describing how he received numerous missed calls one day while practicing cricket. Upon returning the call, he was informed that “Didimoni” (Mamata Banerjee) wished to speak with him. Tiwary emphasized that at that time, the widespread “insults” being hurled at the Chief Minister by opposition leaders fueled his determination to join her side. This sense of loyalty and a desire to stand with the leader in challenging times appears to have been a significant motivator for his political foray.
Tiwary’s words were laced with a palpable sense of pride and a touch of grievance as he spoke of his background. “I have grown up fighting poverty,” he stated, highlighting his humble beginnings. “I wanted to be able to help more people through politics. The people in my area know how much work I have done.” These comments underscore his belief in his service to the constituency of Shibpur, from which he won in 2021, and his genuine desire to connect with the populace at a grassroots level. His track record and commitment to public welfare, he implies, should have counted for something.
The question now looms large: Will Manoj Tiwary don a new political jersey? The outgoing sports minister’s remarks certainly do not dismiss this possibility. In the 2021 elections, Tiwary secured a significant victory, defeating the BJP’s heavyweight candidate, Rathin Chakraborty, by a substantial margin of 32,603 votes to enter the Legislative Assembly. That contest was a tough fight, a true political test. Now, as he faces this new challenge, the analogy of a cricketer looking for a “new pitch to bat on” seems particularly apt.
This development is more than just a personal setback for Manoj Tiwary; it represents a ripple in the broader political dynamics of West Bengal. The TMC has historically leveraged the popularity of figures like Tiwary to connect with voters, and the departure or disillusionment of such a figure can have an impact on public perception. As political parties gear up for upcoming elections, every move, every statement, and every shift in allegiance holds considerable weight. Omni 360 News will continue to monitor this evolving story as Manoj Tiwary deliberates his next significant political move.
Key Takeaways:
* Manoj Tiwary, former cricketer and TMC minister, was dropped from the party’s latest candidate list, leading to disappointment.
* He openly expressed his dissatisfaction and confirmed receiving offers from other political parties.
* Tiwary’s entry into politics in 2021 was driven by a desire to support Mamata Banerjee and serve the people, having overcome personal struggles.
* He highlighted his work in his Shibpur constituency, implying his contributions should have been recognized.
* His decision on joining another party is pending discussions with his wife, indicating a significant political crossroads for him.
* The situation underscores the constant shifts and tactical decisions within West Bengal’s competitive political environment.
