IPL tickets row: Karnataka Cong MLA’s VIP quota demand sparks political storm, Tejasvi Surya says, ‘public office not a privilege’

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Bengaluru don’t seem to be doing away from controversies. Even as the stampede row makes the hearts heavy ahead of the defending champions season opener on March 28 (tomorrow), a sitting MLA of the ruling party, Congress, has started a storm with demand for VIP quota tickets for Indian Premier League games at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.  

“We Are VIPs”: Congress MLA Demands

Hungund Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar raised the issue of high ticket prices during a legislative assembly session on March 26, 2026. Kashappanavar argued that as public representatives, MLAs should not be expected to stand in long queues or sit in general galleries with the public.

“They (KSCA) are taking all facilities from the government—security, land, everything—but they are not respecting MLAs,” Kashappanavar told the media. 

He formally requested that the Speaker mandate a minimum of five VIP tickets for every legislator, along with a dedicated lounge. He further alleged that while MLAs are being sidelined, tickets meant for them are being sold on the black market for as much as ₹35,000, despite a face value of ₹5,000.

DK Shivakumar and the “Samrat Ashok” Jibe

The demand found unexpected support from both sides of the aisle. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka slammed the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), noting that the government provides the stadium’s 16-acre land for a nominal ₹1,600 per month.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (a KSCA member himself) backed the legislators’ right to tickets, though he added a touch of wit to the debate. 

Referring to R. Ashoka, he joked, “I will surely tell them (KSCA) that this is a request from ‘Samrat Ashok’.” Shivakumar has since promised to speak with KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad to “sort this out” and ensure lawmakers get their due respect.

Tejasvi Surya Lashes Out at “VIP Culture”

The move has drawn a sharp rebuke from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surya lashed out at the demands, calling it a blatant display of “VIP culture” that ignores the plight of common fans who were locked out of the booking system within seconds of the sale going live on March 24.

“At a time when real issues of the state need attention, raising such a matter in the Assembly is questionable. If the Speaker proceeds with this, it will lower the dignity of the Vidhana Soudha,” he said.

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