Bengaluru: Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar Monday said Karnataka legislators would be allotted three complimentary tickets each for Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and two for international cricket fixtures in the city, with an option to buy two additional tickets for international games. Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence here, Shivakumar said the decision followed his meetings with officials of Karnataka State Cricket Association, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and DNA Networks to thrash out allocation of tickets for elected representatives. He clarified that since tickets for the season-opening IPL match on Saturday between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad had already been sold, only two tickets could be provided to legislators. “The matter is now closed. Those not interested [in obtaining tickets] can inform us in writing; there’s no compulsion,” the DCM added. Responding to demands from some legislators for a higher quota, Shivakumar said it was not feasible. He further said in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, nearly 50-60% of tickets are distributed among govt officials and related entities. “Compared to them, our intervention is minimal,” he noted. Earlier, Congress legislator Vijayanand Kashappanavar had demanded four tickets for each MLA to watch IPL matches in Bengaluru. His statement that legislators could not be queuing up like normal people, triggered a backlash on social media, with fans questioning “VIP culture”.No Special Gallery for Legislators On demands for a dedicated gallery for legislators and ministers for IPL matches, Shivakumar ruled out any interference by the govt on that and left it to KSCA to decide. Proposal to Expand Stadium Capacity The DCM also said discussions were held on increasing capacity by another 20,000 seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium, which can currently hold 38,000 spectators. He said talks were also on with civic authorities to identify land for new stadium projects, and a formal proposal would be sent to the govt for approval. He added the state govt has already allotted around 25 acres of land to KSCA in Tumakuru and Mysuru. Additionally, cabinet approval has been granted for a new multi-discipline stadium at Suryanagar in Bengaluru through the Karnataka Housing Board.
