Tejasvi Surya Slams ‘VIP Culture’ Amid IPL Ticket Row, Backs Venkatesh Prasad

Bengaluru, March 2026 : BJP Yuva Morcha National President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya on Friday launched a strong critique of what he termed the growing “VIP culture” in politics, using the ongoing controversy over Karnataka MLAs seeking IPL tickets as a backdrop to highlight deeper concerns about entitlement in public life.

Taking to social media, Surya expressed support for Venkatesh Prasad, who is currently the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. He shared a photograph showing Prasad greeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with folded hands, describing the image as symbolic of a troubling shift in political culture.

“This picture says more than a thousand words. It captures what our political culture has been reduced to,” Surya wrote, adding that it was unfortunate to see a national sports icon in a deferential posture despite having done nothing wrong.

He argued that such instances reflect a system where accomplished individuals are expected to accommodate what he described as the “fragile egos” of politicians. According to Surya, the demand for free tickets and preferential treatment highlights a mindset that equates public office with privilege rather than responsibility.

Calling the situation a “tragedy,” Surya said it pointed to a broader erosion of values in public life. “When those who have brought pride to the nation are made to stand in deference, and those in power demand special treatment, something is fundamentally wrong,” he stated.

He emphasised that the issue goes beyond a single controversy and called for a larger shift in political thinking. “A political class that sees power as entitlement, not responsibility, must change. A system where excellence bows and arrogance dominates must go. India needs a new generation of leadership,” he said.

Surya also directly criticised Karnataka legislators for prioritising IPL tickets over governance issues. He remarked that the dignity of the Assembly would have been better upheld if MLAs had focused on discussions around public safety and preparedness for the upcoming Indian Premier League matches.

“Instead, we saw MLAs pleading and even threatening for free tickets for themselves and their families,” he said, adding that such behaviour reflects misplaced priorities and undermines public trust.

Questioning the expectations placed on sports bodies, Surya asked why organisations like the KSCA should be obligated to provide privileges to elected representatives. “Why should any sports body owe MLAs anything? Why should they expect benefits not available to ordinary citizens?” he asked.

Reiterating his stance, he said, “Public office is not a privilege. It is a responsibility. This culture must end.”

Surya’s remarks were echoed by B. Y. Vijayendra, who also distanced himself from the demand for IPL tickets by legislators. Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra said he was personally opposed to such requests.

“We legislators are not above the common man. We should not seek special privileges,” he said, stressing that public representatives must maintain humility and accountability.

Vijayendra further pointed out that the demand for special access was particularly insensitive in light of recent tragedies in the state. Referring to a past incident that resulted in loss of lives, he said such issues should take precedence over personal benefits.

“When such painful memories are still fresh, it is inappropriate to ask for special passes or tickets,” he added.

The controversy has sparked a wider debate on political conduct and accountability, with Surya’s remarks amplifying calls for a shift away from entitlement-driven politics towards a more responsibility-focused public culture.