Amid rising demands from Karnataka legislators for additional IPL tickets, the Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that providing four tickets per MLA is not feasible. He said, efforts are being made to increase the current quota.
Speaking to the media ahead of the IPL matches at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shivakumar said that traditionally, MLAs, MPs, and ministers receive one ticket each.
“We have now requested that at least two tickets be given, especially when family members accompany them,” he said.
He informed that legislators will receive two tickets each for the March 28 opening match, while the allocation for the subsequent matches will be decided latter.
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The row started after the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader urged the government to ensure that each MLA is allotted four premium tickets for match days, following complaints from legislators across party lines against the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
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The issue was raised by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on March 26 during a discussion on Bengaluru's development. He pointed out that the government had leased 16.32 acres of land for the stadium at a nominal rate, yet MLAs struggle to secure even a single ticket.
“We are made to plead for tickets, and when they are available, they are priced as high as ₹20,000,” he had said.
Shivakumar said he would take up the matter with the KSCA, adding that there is “nothing wrong” in elected representatives seeking such access, while also highlighting logistical constraints.
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