IN AN UNUSUAL DISPLAY of bipartisan unity, lawmakers from both the Congress and the BJP in the Karnataka Assembly came together, not over policy or governance, but to demand greater access to VIP tickets for Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
The issue surfaced ahead of the IPL season, with several MLAs expressing dissatisfaction over limited ticket allocations and high prices for matches at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Speaker UT Khader directed the state government to secure at least four VIP tickets per MLA following complaints against the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The matter was raised during a discussion on Bengaluru’s development in the Assembly on March 26.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka (BJP) criticised the KSCA, highlighting that the state had leased 16.32 acres of land for the stadium at a nominal monthly rent of ₹1,600, yet legislators were being charged up to ₹20,000 per ticket. “They make us beg for tickets despite the support extended by the government,” Ashoka said, calling for stricter action against the association.
Congress MLA Vijayananda Kashappanavar backed the demand, calling for at least five tickets per legislator and improved facilities such as a dedicated lounge. He also urged that MLAs be provided access to the opening IPL fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Other legislators raised concerns over alleged black-marketing of tickets, with BJP MLA Abhay Patil calling for an inquiry. Some members also complained about being allotted only standard tickets and not receiving due recognition at matches.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he would take up the matter with KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, indicating that discussions would be held to ensure a minimum allocation for legislators. The demand, however, drew criticism from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who publicly opposed the move, calling it an example of political entitlement.
“Why should any sports body give free tickets to MLAs? This reflects feudal thinking,” Surya said in a social media post, adding that elected representatives should not expect privileges unavailable to the general public. He also argued that such debates in the Assembly reflected misplaced priorities and undermined the dignity of the institution.
