Bengaluru, March 30: In a move that has sparked discussion in political and public circles alike, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the state will be allotted three tickets for matches of the Indian Premier League held in Bengaluru.
The announcement comes days after Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader urged the state government to ensure that every MLA is provided with four VIP tickets for matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the ongoing IPL season.
Addressing reporters, Shivakumar clarified that while the Speaker had requested four tickets per legislator, the government had decided to allocate three tickets to each MLA, citing logistical and availability constraints. “We have taken a balanced decision. Every MLA will receive three tickets. We must also consider the overall demand and limited seating capacity,” he said.
The issue had gained attention after several legislators reportedly raised concerns about access to matches, particularly those featuring the city-based franchise. With the stadium often witnessing full-capacity crowds during IPL fixtures, securing tickets has remained a challenge even for public representatives.
Speaker Khader had last week written to the government, highlighting that MLAs frequently receive requests from constituents and local supporters for match access. He suggested that providing a fixed quota of VIP tickets would help legislators manage such demands more effectively.
However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that preferential ticket allocation to elected representatives raises questions about fairness, especially when tickets are in high demand among the general public. Some opposition voices have also questioned whether such privileges are appropriate during a time when governance and public service should remain the primary focus.
Government sources, meanwhile, maintained that similar arrangements have been followed in the past for major sporting and cultural events. They emphasized that the allocation is limited and does not significantly impact public ticket availability.
Officials associated with event coordination said the distribution mechanism would be streamlined to ensure transparency and avoid duplication. The tickets are expected to be sourced through official channels in coordination with event organisers and stadium authorities.
The Indian Premier League, one of the most popular cricket leagues globally, continues to draw massive crowds across venues, with Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium being among the most sought-after locations due to its central location and passionate fan base.
As the season progresses, the ticket allocation decision is likely to remain under public scrutiny, reflecting the broader debate on access, privilege, and accountability in public life.
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