Mon Sep 08 19:00:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text.

**Summary:**

Indian Secular Front (ISF) legislator Nawshad Siddique claims the Trinamool Congress (TMC) offered him a ministerial post and money to join their party. He alleges that when he refused, the TMC began filing false cases against him, leading to his arrest on August 20 for protesting. Siddique emphasizes his commitment to his constituents and rejects the alleged bribery attempt. This claim is met with skepticism. Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari questions Siddique’s timing, suggesting a possible motive to eventually join the TMC. TMC’s Debangshu Bhattacharya characterizes the ISF as the AIMIM of West Bengal, implying the BJP is using them to divide the Muslim vote.

**News Article:**

**ISF Legislator Alleges TMC Bribery Attempt, Sparks Political Firestorm in West Bengal**

**Kolkata, September 9, 2025** – Indian Secular Front (ISF) legislator Nawshad Siddique has ignited a political controversy in West Bengal, claiming that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) offered him a ministerial position and monetary incentives to defect to their party.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Siddique, the MLA representing Bhangar, stated that the alleged offer came before his arrest on August 20 for leading protests against the Special Intensive Revision in Kolkata. He claims that after rejecting the offer, the TMC began filing false cases against him, leading to his arrest.

“The reputation that I have managed to gain socially by working for people has become the reason for envy of the ruling party,” Siddique stated. “I am being offered to join Trinamool. False cases are being filed against me.”

While Siddique did not specify who made the alleged offer or the exact amount, he stated, “I am saying this on camera that I will think of ₹3,000 crore but not ₹30 crore. I will not take any money.”

The allegations have been met with mixed reactions. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari raised doubts about the timing of Siddique’s claims, suggesting they may be a precursor to the ISF legislator eventually joining the TMC. Adhikari also questioned Siddique’s previous announcement and subsequent withdrawal to contest against Abhishek Banerjee in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

In response, TMC social media in-charge Debangshu Bhattacharya dismissed Siddique’s claims, characterizing the ISF as the “AIMIM of West Bengal.” He suggested the BJP is using the ISF to create divisions within the Muslim electorate. Bhattacharya further suggested Siddique should file a formal complaint regarding the alleged bribery.

The ISF, in alliance with the CPI(M)-led Left Front and Congress in the 2021 Assembly polls, is yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy. The allegations are expected to further intensify the already fraught political landscape in West Bengal.

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