Responding to the non-partisan demand, Speaker UT Khader has asked the state government to ensure that every MLA receives four VIP tickets at the city’s Chinnaswamy Stadium for the matches.
MLAs in Karnataka have raised a demand that appears to highlight a heightened sense of entitlement among elected representatives and government functionaries. According to Congress legislator Vijayanand Kashappanavar, members of Karnataka Assembly, across party lines, have demanded that MLAs be provided with tickets for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) under a special arrangement so they do not have to purchase them.
Responding to the non-partisan demand, Speaker UT Khader has asked the state government to ensure that every MLA receives four VIP tickets at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium for the matches.
This came after MLAs from various parties came together to allege that they were treated with “disrespect” by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which manages the venue.
‘WE CANNOT STAND IN LINES’
Kashappanavar insisted that he and his fellow members of the state Assembly are VIPs and “cannot stand in a queue” to buy the tickets and hence each of them should be “issued” at least five tickets each.
He also lashed out at the KSCA, saying the sporting body was not “respecting the MLAs” despite receiving “all facilities” from the state government.
“They are taking all facilities from the government — security and everything else — but they are not respecting the MLAs. They are not issuing tickets and are instead asking us to book them online,” the Congress MLA told reporters.
To justify the demand, he further said that match tickets sold online end up being offered on the black market at exorbitant prices.
“We all know what happens online — it leads to black marketing. Bookies are involved, and tickets are being sold at inflated prices. A ticket that costs Rs 5,000 is being sold for Rs 35,000,” he stated.
Kashappanavar, who belongs to Karnataka’s ruling Congress, said that the demand was also voiced by Leader of the Opposition in Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, R Ashoka.
“There are no proper facilities for MLAs and ministers. The Opposition Leader has already raised this issue in the Assembly, and I have supported it. We have requested the Speaker to take necessary action and ensure that at least five tickets are issued to each MLA, along with a separate seating arrangement,” the Congress MLA stated.
He added, “We are VIPs. We cannot stand in queues. Last time, we were made to stand in line and were sent to sit in the general gallery with the public. This is not acceptable. There has to be some respect.”
