Karnataka MLAs get two IPL tickets each, BJP MLA Suresh Kumar refuses, slams VIP culture

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has agreed to provide two IPL tickets per MLA for the opening match of IPL 2026 at Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, but the decision has sparked debate over a perceived “VIP culture” in the state.

The allocation followed concerns raised by legislators in the Assembly regarding improper ticketing and seating arrangements at the stadium. Speaker U T Khader had directed the government to ensure four VIP tickets per MLA , but officials confirmed that with tickets largely sold out, each legislator would receive two tickets for the first match. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said he personally coordinated with KSCA and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) officials to secure the additional tickets.

However, not all legislators welcomed the privilege. Senior BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar openly refused the tickets, criticizing the government for promoting VIP culture. “The state government claims to be socialist, yet continues rewarding privileges for MLAs. This is surprising and unfortunate,” he said, highlighting that public office should be about responsibility, not entitlement . Kumar also referenced the RCB victory celebrations last year , where the Chief Minister brought his grandson to the victory stage, underscoring the inconsistency.

Kumar expressed disappointment over the Assembly discussion turning abruptly from civic issues to tickets for legislators , noting that such debates risk public contempt for politicians . “We should all remember that the more we continue to promote this VIP culture, the smaller we will appear in the eyes of the common people,” he added, announcing his refusal to accept the tickets.

Other MLAs defended the request, saying tickets would be distributed to sports enthusiasts, cricket clubs, or constituents , and clarified that they were not asking for free passes . State BJP President B Y Vijayendra also expressed opposition to legislators claiming special privileges, emphasizing that public representatives are no different from ordinary citizens .