Free IPL tickets, full stand: Karnataka MLAs get their way after Venkatesh Prasad meets government

MLAs of the Karnataka Assembly, who had refused to stand in queues to buy IPL tickets, will get it for free, after all. In fact, sources say the MLAs, who had alleged disrespect by the Karnataka State Cricket Association and had demanded tickets citing their "VIP" status, will also get a separate stand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium which is set to host the inaugural IPL match tomorrow between defending champions RCB and SRH. Subsequently, the legislators will get three tickets each for all the upcoming games at the venue.

The turn of events, 24 hours later, happened after KSCA President and India's iconic former fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday and gave the latter an official invite for tomorrow's match. The MLAs were all riled up yesterday, but now, it looks like they arm-twisted their way into obtaining the tickets.

Commenting on the matter, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that he asked the KSCA to give two tickets (one plus one) each to the legislators as time was short. "The Speaker had asked for four tickets, but the tickets have already been sold. There is not much time now, and there are more members," he told reporters.

He further said that earlier MLAs, MPs and ministers used to get one ticket each. "I have now requested two tickets so they can take family members."

Sources told India Today that the state Chief Secretary negotiated with the KSCA on behalf of the government.

BJP's Tejasvi Surya did not mince words to slam the Congress-led government in Karnataka over the matter Taking to X, he said that Venkatesh Prasad, the man who "brought pride to India...is today standing with folded hands before a Chief Minister".

"Why? Not for any wrongdoing. Not for any failure of duty. But simply because he did his job. Because he did not anticipate that the brittle egos of politicians would be bruised. Because he did not bend to a culture that expects free tickets, special treatment, and unquestioned entitlement. This is the tragedy," he tweeted.

"A political class that sees power as entitlement, not responsibility, should go. A system where excellence bows, and arrogance sits should go...If this does not disturb us, nothing will. India deserves better. For whatever it is worth, I stand with Venkatesh Prasad. And I know, millions will," Surya's tweet read.

On Thursday, Congress legislator Vijayanand Kashappanavar told reporters that MLAs, across party lines, have demanded that they be provided with tickets for this year's IPL under a special arrangement as they do not want to wait in queues to purchase them. They went to Shivakumar, who then raised the matter with Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader. The Speaker asked the Congress-headed state government to ensure that every MLA received four VIP tickets at the Chimnaswamy Stadium for the IPL matches.

"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," Kashappanavar told reporters on Thursday.

"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," he further said.

Though Tejasvi Surya criticised the Congress over the matter, Kashappanavar alleged that the demand was made by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and BJP MLA, R Ashoka, as well.

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