Hit by conscience, BJP MLA Suresh Kumar declines IPL tickets

Bengaluru: Conscience-stricken BJP lawmaker S Suresh Kumar on Saturday announced that he will not accept IPL tickets or passes after the government acted quickly to arrange premium access to elected representatives, the “VIP culture” he described as “dangerous”.

“As per my conscience, I politely decline to accept any IPL match ticket or pass issued by the government or the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Therefore, please don’t issue any ticker or pass in my name,” Kumar stated in a letter to Speaker UT Khader.

Kumar was in the Assembly when his legislator colleagues demanded cricket match tickets and respect from KSCA.

“In a House where voices should have been raised in favour of people, it was tragic that ‘VIP respect’ was demanded for us, public servants,” Kumar stated.

Kumar pointed out that people’s problems do not find a solution for years on end. “But when it came to facilities and tickets for lawmakers, the government showed the enthusiasm of acting within 24 hours, which has shocked citizens, making them dislike elected representatives,” he stated.

“It is dangerous that such a ‘VIP culture’ is being rewarded under a government that calls itself socialist,” Kumar stated, in what was seen as a veiled jibe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Kumar recalled the 2025 stampede outside the Chinnaswamy stadium that killed 11 people. “Their cries are still ringing in my ears. Amidst that pain, by demanding IPL tickets, we have belittled ourselves in public view,” he stated.

MB Patil defends his ilk

Industries Minister MB Patil defended lawmakers who sought cricket match tickets.

“It’s alright...they’ll ask for a couple of tickets. What’s wrong with that? It’s no big deal,” Patil said. He said he had received two tickets. “But how can I go? I’ve got election duty.”