Bengaluru, March 30 (NationPress) D. K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister and President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, announced on Monday that the ticket allocation issue for the Indian Premier League matches has been amicably settled. This resolution includes a revised ticket quota for legislators and Members of Parliament.

Shivakumar made this announcement after engaging with media representatives following a meeting with officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Bangalore, and DNA Event Management Company.

He indicated that previous discussions were held with the Speaker and senior party leaders regarding this matter.

The new arrangement has stipulated that three tickets will now be allocated to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament for IPL matches, down from the previous four tickets. For international matches, the KSCA will offer two complimentary tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase.

Shivakumar elaborated, “Two tickets will be given free, and if they wish to obtain two more, they will need to buy them.”

Representatives from Royal Challengers Bangalore, DNA Event Management, and KSCA management participated in these discussions.

Venkatesh Prasad, the KSCA President and former Indian pacer, was also present during the talks.

“If anyone prefers not to receive tickets, they can submit a request. Members of the Legislative Assembly often have various requests that cannot all be accommodated. The situation has been resolved now,” he stated.

Shivakumar noted that in states such as Rajasthan, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, a significant portion of tickets, exceeding 50 to 60 percent, is allocated to government officials and similar categories.

“In comparison to these locations, the level of interference here is lower,” he remarked, emphasizing that the matter is now concluded.

Regarding infrastructure developments, he mentioned that discussions were initiated to increase the seating capacity at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Authorities have been directed to submit a proposal to the government.

“An increase of 20,000 seats would be advantageous. Once the proposal is received, the government will review it,” he added.

When asked about a dedicated gallery for politicians, he expressed a desire to refrain from interference.

“This was a minor request. For Royal Challengers Bangalore matches, three tickets will be available, and for other matches, two tickets will be provided. I will not intervene further,” he confirmed.

He also revealed that the government has allocated land for sports infrastructure, including 25 acres near Golden Spa, 25 acres in Tumakuru, and land in Mysuru. In Bengaluru, two to three sites have been identified for developing a new multi-sport stadium, not limited to cricket.

On the topic of upcoming by-elections, Shivakumar announced his campaign plans for Davanagere on Tuesday, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already campaigned in Bagalkot.

“I will head to Bagalkot the following day, return to Davanagere, and then go back to Bagalkot,” he said.

He also plans to travel to Kerala on April 5 and 6.

Shivakumar revealed that he, along with All India Congress Committee General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, will hold a press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office to address the cooking gas crisis.

Speaking on Assam, he reiterated that the Congress party stands by its commitments. “We have made guarantees in Assam and delivered speeches there. The Congress consistently honors its promises, unlike those who claimed Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts and ‘Acche Din’,” he stated.

He also mentioned his visits to Assam and expressed his enjoyment of the local cuisine at a hotel, calling it delightful. “While I used to enjoy non-vegetarian dishes, I am now a vegetarian,” he shared.

Expressing optimism about the party's prospects in Assam, Shivakumar remarked, “While Amit Shah asserts they will achieve a two-thirds majority, I predict they will secure one-third, and we will attain a two-thirds majority.”