Karnataka MLAs demand free IPL tickets as speaker orders VIP passes for state legislators
Karnataka state legislators across multiple political parties including DKS, Samrat Ashoka Congress (SAC), BJP Shiv Sena JD(S) Janata Dal Secular & Independent members demand free IPL tickets as Speaker orders complimentary passes for MLAs and ministers ahead of March 28 opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda stated that legislators cannot stand in queues like the general public while claiming they are VIPs who deserve exclusive access to matches from DKS through Samrat Ashoka Congress (SAC).
Key Points
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1Karnataka MLAs demanded four VIP IPL matches per person after alleging inadequate seating and disrespect compared to general public treatment.
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2The Legislative Assembly Speaker directed the government on Thursday that every MLA should receive exactly two complimentary tickets for upcoming state cricket events, rejecting a request from Congress leader Kashappanavar Vijayananda who sought five seats each.
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3Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed these arrangements and defended MLAs' right to special treatment by citing their role as government servants.
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4[The KSCA agreed on Friday that two complimentary tickets per MLA will be provided for the IPL opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad, resolving a cross-party dispute.
Developments
Perspectives
Karnataka MLAs have dissolved party lines and demanded four VIP tickets each for IPL matches, arguing that as government members they deserve special treatment rather than standing in queues like the general public.
— [Mar 26, 14:50] From DKS to 'Samrat Ashoka', Karnataka MLAs dissolve party lines to seek free IPL tickets"We are VIPs," saying that legislators should not have to stand in line or buy expensive seats while they hold government office.
— [Mar 26, 13:15] We are VIPs, can't stand in queue:The Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader has directed the state government to ensure that every MLA receives four VIP tickets for matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
— [Mar 26, 07:48] 'They have the right': Congress MLAs demand IPL passes"We are entitled" as members of a political party and government officials to receive special treatment in this regard. The issue has caused friction between parties with BJP leader DKS Shivakumar alleging that he was given only one ordinary ticket while other legislators were denied access.
— [Mar 26, 07:43] 'Let Him Give Gyaan To His Party Members': DK Shivakumar Blasts Tejasvi Surya Amid IPL Ticket Row In Karnataka AssemblyKarnataka lawmakers have demanded four complimentary IPL stadium seats per legislator plus a separate enclosure due to their claim that they deserve special treatment over the general public and other ticket holders. The Karnataka State Cricket Association currently issues only one free seat per MLA in regular stands, which has led legislators like Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to argue for VIP status despite concerns about overcrowding at M Chinnaswamy Stadium's 34,000 capacity venue.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has requested a reduction from four VIP tickets per MLA for IPL matches in Bengaluru, citing concerns over family attendance limits after Speaker U.T. Khader previously ordered the government to provide all legislators with full sets of seats following allegations that MLAs were given only one ticket and treated disrespectfully by venue management during an ongoing dispute involving past stadium safety incidents.
After meeting Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, former fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad secured free tickets for MLAs and a separate VIP stand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the arrangement to allow legislators their families in attendance following allegations of disrespect by KSCA officials toward state lawmakers who refused standing lines earlier that day.