'Teach them a lesson': Karnataka legislators seek 4 VIP passes for IPL matches

BENGALURU: Legislators across parties played on the front foot on Thursday, demanding four complimentary tickets for each lawmaker for matches played at Karnataka State Cricket Association's Chinnaswamy Stadium, including the upcoming edition of IPL.

Ahead of Saturday's IPL opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the lawmakers flagged "disrespect" at the stadium and sought better access and seating during matches. Assembly speaker UT Khader and council chairman Basavaraj Horatti directed the govt to ensure at least four VIP tickets are given to each MLA.

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar assured the House he would step in as he knew the KSCA president (Venkatesh Prasad) "personally". "I'm a voting member of KSCA. There is nothing wrong with what MLAs are asking," he said.

With the collective lawmaker strength (224 in the assembly and 75 in the council) nearing 300, the ask is about 1,200 tickets, a daunting challenge considering the stadium capacity. Also, other stakeholders, too, need to be given passes.

Currently, each MLA gets a complimentary ticket for P3 stand, while ministers get two of those tickets in addition to an invite to watch the match from the committee room, a VIP box.

"If KSCA gives away 1,200 passes to legislators, it will have very few left for others, which include other govt arms like police, Great Bengaluru Authority, fire, food and civil supplies. This is apart from the passes earmarked for BCCI, international and domestic players, coaches, umpires and clubs, among others," a KSCA source told TOI.

Tickets to the VIP stands could be another bone of contention because KSCA controls only a part of tickets/passes and a majority is with the franchise. Premier stands are limited: A case in point is P2 with 320 seats and each ticket costs Rs 55,000 on average.

"There aren't many premier seats to accommodate requests because the franchise, too, has sponsor and client commitments," added the source.

Speaker Khader noted that MLAs were often left waiting at the gates. "One ticket is given per MLA, and VIP tickets are issued only if the MLA attends in person. However, MLAs find it difficult to stand in queues as staff do not recognise them, leading to a sense of disrespect," he said.

"Many MLAs, therefore, avoid attending matches. Inform KSCA that at least four ‘VIP stand' tickets should be provided to MLAs and their families," he added.

BJP's R Ashoka said they have crores of rupees, yet they treat "us in a way we have to plead for tickets. Our tickets are non-transferable," he added. "Teach them a lesson. We are not asking for free tickets; we are willing to pay," he said, adding KSCA pays nominal rent for 16.3-acre stadium land while match tickets are priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000.

His party colleague, CN Ashwath Narayan, questioned the concessions extended to the association.

Vijayananda Kashappanavar of Congress said MLAs get only one ticket. "The govt should ensure proper seating arrangements. Our families also want to watch matches. Should they not get that opportunity," he said. "Is there no respect for the govt and legislators?" he asked, alleging tickets are sold at 10x premium sometimes.

The discussion turned to a proposal for a new stadium at Hoskote. Minister KJ George referred to a plan linked to the relocation of Jakkur Flying Training School, but said it was opposed in the cabinet by minister Krishna Byre Gowda, following which CM Siddaramaiah decided to keep it on hold.

Each mla gets 1 ticket now

MLAs: 224

MLCs: 75

Request for passes/tickets: 4 each

What they get now

MLA: 1 complimentary ticket for P3 stand

Ministers: 2 complimentary tickets for the P3 stand + an invite for the minister and spouse to watch the match from the committee room