There was an uproar in the Karnataka Assembly over IPL tickets. The MLAs accused KSCA of negligence and demanded 4 VIP tickets each. The Speaker directed the government to ensure tickets.
Bengaluru: The 19th season of IPL is going to start tomorrow at Chinnaswamy Stadium, but before that there was a huge uproar between the ruling party and opposition MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly over tickets. To ensure at least four VIP tickets for every MLA, Speaker U.T. Khadr gave instructions to the government. The issue arose when MLAs complained that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was ignoring public representatives.
This issue was raised by Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok picked up. He alleged that there is no proper seating arrangement for MLAs in the stadium and they are given only one ticket. He said, “The association, which earns crores of rupees, is ignoring us. Even if I get a ticket, it is only in my name. I cannot take my wife or son to watch the match.”
Congress MLAs also supported this demand. MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar alleged that tickets are being sold in the black market for up to Rs 20,000, but public representatives are not getting their due respect. He also demanded a separate lounge in the stadium for MLAs.
The MLAs also pointed out that the rent for the stadium for which land has been given by the government is only Rs 1,600 per month, while the association is charging Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for tickets. He also demanded a strict investigation into other matters including the license to serve liquor in the stadium. R. Ashok further said, “We are not asking for free tickets, we are ready to pay. But we should get due respect.”
On this matter, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar replied. He said that he will talk to Karnataka Cricket Association officials and the demand of the MLAs is legitimate. He assured that he himself is a voting member of the association and will find a solution to this matter soon.
The opening match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad is scheduled to be held tomorrow evening at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. On one hand, fans are waiting for Virat Kohli’s new tattoo and RCB’s title defense, while on the other hand, the dispute over tickets has reached the assembly.