ISF MLA Alleges TMC Tried to Woo Him with Money, Ministerial Posts

Quick Summary

• Indian secular front (ISF) legislator Nawshad Siddique alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) offered him a ministerial post and money to switch parties.
• He claimed false cases have been filed against him after his refusal to join TMC.
• Mr. Siddique was arrested on August 20, 2025, in Kolkata for protesting against the Special Intensive Revision but released on bail the next day.
• During a State Assembly meeting, Mr. Siddique said he received an offer from a TMC MLA before being arrested by Kolkata Police later that day.
• In response to allegations of monetary offers, he stated publicly: “₹30 crore is dust to me.”
• ISF had allied with CPI(M)-led Left Front and Congress during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
• Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari questioned both Mr.Siddique’s motives and timing, suggesting these statements could be designed as pretext for future actions involving TMC.
• TMC spokesperson likened ISF’s role in West Bengal politics to AIMIM in other states and urged Mr. Siddique to formally report any financial inducements.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The allegations made by nawshad Siddique against TMC highlight recurring accusations of political coercion within West Bengal’s volatile political landscape-where party-switching remains a frequently debated topic ahead of elections.While his claims underscore potential ethical concerns around governance practices, skepticism over their timing raises questions about their broader intent or credibility.

For India at large, such incidents reflect broader challenges in fostering transparent democratic processes at all levels of goverment. With opposition voices alleging intimidation tactics or misuse of law enforcement mechanisms for political gain-if proven-it could undermine public faith in fair electoral competition.

In balance, both sides should pursue legal recourse over verbal charges while ensuring accountability frameworks are strengthened across state politics.

Read more: The Hindu