Karnataka MLAs to get three tickets for IPL matches, two tickets for International tourneys: D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said three free tickets for IPL matches will be provided to each MLA, while two complimentary tickets will be given for international matches, with an option to purchase two more.

Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence after a meeting with Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials and IPL franchise representatives, Shivakumar said the matter had been finalised after discussions over the past week.

“Today I discussed the issue of tickets to MLAs with the KSCA president, officials, DNA, and RCB management. Last week they had agreed to provide 2 tickets as the tickets for the first match had already been sold. We met again today and closed the matter,” he said.

“If anyone is not interested in IPL tickets, they may inform us in writing and we will not provide them tickets. No one is being compelled,” he added, underlining that the arrangement was optional for legislators.

Responding to demands for more tickets, Shivakumar said, “Not all demands can be fulfilled. We had a discussion and arrived at this decision based on the situation. I also spoke with officials from Rajasthan, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Gujarat — about 50–60 per cent of tickets there are distributed to government officials and related groups. Compared to them, our level of interference is far less.” The Deputy CM also said the government has asked KSCA to submit a proposal to increase stadium seating capacity.

“We have directed them to submit a proposal to the government. After the proposal is submitted, it will be discussed at the government level and necessary approvals will be given. Increasing capacity by 20,000 seats would benefit the public greatly,” he said, adding that officials have been asked to explore land options for a new stadium as well.

On suggestions for a separate gallery for MLAs and ministers, he said the government would not interfere in the association’s internal matters. “I won't go into all that, it is left to the KSCA officials. I will not excessively interfere in their affairs. We are MLAs and MPs. I had this discussion only because of the ticket requests from MLAs. I won't get into other matters beyond that,” he said.

Shivakumar said the government has already allotted land to KSCA in the past and is also pursuing plans for a new stadium. “We have already given KSCA 25 acres of land, and also given land in Tumkur and Mysuru. In Bengaluru, Cabinet approval has been given for a stadium through KHB. What we are building in Suryanagar will benefit all sports and all people."

Turning to politics, he said the Congress campaign for upcoming by-elections will begin immediately. “Of course we have to go. I should have gone today itself. The Chief Minister has already left for Bagalkote. Surjewala and I are going to Davanagere tomorrow, where we have some meetings. The day after I will go to Bagalkote. Then I will do another round of both constituencies,” he said.

He added that he would campaign in Kerala on April 5 and 6. “The Kerala visit was postponed to the 5th due to Easter and Good Friday,” he said.

On the reported LPG shortage, Shivakumar said a detailed response would be given shortly. “On Tuesday morning at 9:30, Surjewala and I will hold a press conference at the KPCC office and speak on this matter,” he said.

Defending the Congress party’s governance model, he said, “We do what we say. We have announced land rights. We have announced a health programme up to Rs 25 lakh. In Assam, the BJP government gives only Rs 1,200 per month and that too only to their party workers. We will give our schemes to all beneficiaries.”

Taking a swipe at the BJP, he added, “We don't give false promises like the BJP which said it will deposit Rs 15 lakh in everyone's account, or that ‘Acche Din’ were coming. Where did Acche Din come? Not one of you got Rs 15 lakh in your account.” On his recent visit to Assam, Shivakumar said he had sampled local cuisine and visited religious sites.

“Yes, I've visited Assam many times but had never eaten the local food. This time I did. I had the vegetarian dishes; my friends enjoyed the non-vegetarian,” he said, adding, “One must visit God and pray. Do I need your permission for that?” Expressing confidence ahead of elections in Assam, he said, “Absolutely. Amit Shah says they'll win two-thirds majority. We will win two-thirds of the seats, and they'll be left with one-third.”