 "Karnataka government has been under fire over the demand of its MLAs. X/TejasviSurya")
Despite controversy, Karnataka government allowed its MLAs to get two free tickets each for the Indian Premier League 2026 season opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) that will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.
Earlier, Congress legislator Vijayanand Kashappanavar had raised the demand of four tickets for every MLA to watch the IPL in stadium. He said that the legislators could not stand in line like normal people and also added that this demand for tickets cut across party lines. The statement triggered a backlash on social media with fans questioning the ‘VIP culture’.
Karnataka govt allows MLAs 2 tickets each
Even as fans criticised the demand, the government went on to give two free tickets for every MLA for the opening game of the season .
“Four tickets can’t be given. So, every MLA, MP and Minister used to get one seat each. Now, we have requested them to give two tickets if the family members go. For tomorrow’s first match, they will get two tickets. For the next match, we will discuss later," Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was quoted as saying by ANI.
The announcement comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy met former India cricketer and the current Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad on Friday.
The demand triggered political storm in the state as well. BJP leaders criticised Congress for the ‘VIP’ culture.
“We legislators are not bigger or different from the common man. We should not be asking for special privileges. I am opposed to this idea of legislators asking for IPL tickets,” Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra said.
Tejasvi Surya of BJP also slammed Congress leaders alleging that they had forced Prasad to bend to their demands.
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View AllFormer IPL Chairman Lalit Modi too criticised the Karnataka government calling the demand ‘completely nonsense’. Fans also blasted the Siddaramaiah-led government
Bengaluru is back at hosting major games for the first time since the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after RCB’s IPL win last year.