“We are VIPs, can’t stand in line”, Karnataka MLAs demand IPL tickets and special seats to sit

Bengaluru: Many MLAs of the state have asked for Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets and special seats from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanwar said that every MLA should be given five IPL tickets. Along with this, a special seat is also required to sit. Kashappanavar said that the MLA is a VIP. Therefore cannot stand in line. The MLA said that IPL is starting from 28th of this month but Karnataka State Cricket Association is not giving IPL tickets to MLAs, ministers and their families.

Congress MLA said- Every MLA got at least five tickets

Hungund MLA Vijayanand Kashappanwar said that the Indian Premier League is taking all the facilities from the government. They are getting everything including police protection. They are taking all the facilities from the government, but they are not respecting the MLA. Kashappanavar alleged black marketing in the online sale of tickets. He said that the leader of the opposition raised this issue in the Assembly. I supported him and we requested the Speaker to take necessary action and get at least 5 tickets issued for the MLA.

“We are VIPs, can’t stand in line.”

The Congress MLA said, “We are VIPs. We cannot go and stand there in the queue. Last time we went, we were standing in the queue. They are sending us in the gallery with the general public. This will not do. Taking aim at the Karnataka State Cricket Association, Kashappanavar said, “They do not listen to anyone. They have become so big. They are collecting money and having fun.

BJP leader raised the matter in the assembly

Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly and BJP’s R Ashok had targeted KSCA. He said that we have given them 16.32 acres of land at a nominal price of just Rs 1,600 per month, but they charge us thousands of rupees for match tickets. They have crores of rupees and they rob us and the government wants to build another stadium for such people. They need to be taught a lesson.

Responding to the MLAs, Assembly Speaker U.T. Khadr suggested institutional intervention. He said that the government should discuss with KSCA on this issue which is being raised by the MLAs. They sometimes give just one ticket to MLAs. The MLA and his family should be given at least four tickets.

Deputy CM gave assurance

After this, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar assured the House that the matter would be taken up with KSCA officials. Shivakumar said that I will resolve this matter by talking to the KSCA President on behalf of the government. I am also a member there. MLAs have full right to demand. They should definitely get the benefit of this.