Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that Karnataka MLAs will get two tickets each for the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be held between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. DK Shivakumar said this after talking to Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad, who also met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah separately on Friday.
DK Shivkumar said that the MLAs of the state will be given two tickets each for the first match of IPL. For the remaining matches, we will talk later.” On Thursday, Speaker UT Khader directed the government to ensure that MPs get four tickets to watch the cricket match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, after members from all parties criticized the KSCA for 'insulting' the elected representatives.
DK Shivakumar Said, the speaker had asked for four tickets, but all the tickets have been sold. There is no space and so many members. Time is short. For now, I have asked them (KSCA) to give two tickets to every MLA and they have agreed. I have also spoken to RCB. He further said, four tickets cannot be given. Every MLA, MP and Minister got one ticket each. Now they will get two tickets.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to begin on Friday, March 28, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Speaker UT Khadar on Thursday had asked the government to ensure that every MLA gets four VIP tickets in the stadium during matches. On Thursday, Khader had given this direction to the government after several MLAs, including BJP's opposition leader R Ashok, had claimed that they were given only one ticket during the matches and were not given proper seating facilities. Some members also demanded a separate lounge for MLAs in the stadium.
After the issue was raised in the Assembly on Thursday, Speaker UT Khader had asked the government to ensure that every MLA gets four VIP tickets at the stadium during the matches. The members had alleged that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which manages the venue, had “disrespected” them.
He said, "MLAs have the right because they are part of the system, they are part of the government. Earlier too, all of them were given some respect. After a lot of difficulty and all the pressure, we have given them permission." He was referring to KSCA getting permission to hold the match after the stampede incident during RCB's IPL win celebrations last year, in which 11 people were killed and many were injured.
BJP MP criticizes MLAs for 'begging for tickets'. BJP MP Tejashwi Surya criticized MLAs for 'begging for tickets' for big events. He said that if the MLA of Karnataka had talked about the safety and security preparations of IPL fans in the Assembly, then the respect of the House would have been maintained. Instead, we saw the MLA begging and threatening for free tickets for himself and his family. This is not just poor prioritization and reveals a deeper problem – “a VIP mentality that treats public office as an entitlement.”
He asked, "Why should MLAs owe any favor to any sports body? Why should elected representatives expect special rights which common people do not get?"
Saying that public office is not a special right and is a responsibility, the Bengaluru South MP said, “This culture must end.” Responding, DK Shivakumar said, “Let Mr. Tejashwi Surya give his knowledge (advice) to his party members, not me.”
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