Bengaluru, March 27: Tejasvi Surya, the National President of the BJP Youth Wing and MP from Bengaluru South, launched a sharp attack on the political class on Friday. He criticized the growing ‘VIP culture’ and sense of entitlement among elected representatives in light of the ongoing controversy regarding Karnataka legislators demanding IPL tickets.
On social media, Surya expressed his support for Venkatesh Prasad, the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and former Indian cricketer. He shared a photo showing Prasad bowing with folded hands to greet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that the image reflects the decline of our political culture.
Surya wrote, “This picture speaks more than a thousand words. It clearly shows how low our political culture has fallen.” He lamented that national heroes like Prasad, who have brought pride to the country through their remarkable performances, are seen bowing before a chief minister.
The BJP MP stated, “Not for any wrongdoing. Not due to any lapse in duty. But simply because they did their job.” He further noted that such incidents indicate a system where public figures are expected to endure the “fragile egos of politicians” and a culture that demands “free tickets, special treatment, and privileges without question.”
Describing it as a ‘tragedy,’ Surya emphasized that this incident signifies a deep decline in political values. He remarked, “When the best servants of the nation are forced to bow in respect, and those in public office demand privileges instead of accountability, it means something fundamentally wrong has occurred.”
He added that this issue is not limited to a single incident but highlights the need for systemic change. Surya asserted, “A political class that views power as a right rather than a responsibility must go. A system where excellence has to bow down while arrogance sits high must end. There is an urgent need for a new generation of political leadership at every level.”
Surya stated that such events should concern citizens and insisted that “India deserves better.” He reiterated his support for Prasad, mentioning that many others would stand with him.
In a separate comment, Surya criticized the Karnataka legislators for demanding IPL tickets and questioned their priorities. He said, “If Karnataka’s legislators had spent their time discussing safety preparations for IPL fans in the assembly, it would have upheld the dignity of the house. Instead, we witnessed legislators begging for free tickets for themselves and their families, even resorting to threats.”
The BJP MP labeled this demand not only as a matter of misplaced priorities but also as a sign of a deeper issue. He stated, “This exposes the VIP mentality that considers public office as a personal right.”
Questioning the expectations from sports organizations, Surya asked, “Why should any sports organization have an obligation to legislators? Why should elected representatives expect special privileges that common citizens do not receive?” He emphasized, “Public office is not a special privilege. It is a responsibility. This culture must end.”
Meanwhile, state BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Friday that he personally opposes the demand for IPL tickets by legislators. Speaking to reporters at the party’s state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, he responded to a question by saying, “We are neither bigger nor different from the common man. We should not demand special privileges. I am against the idea of legislators asking for IPL tickets.”
According to Vijayendra, the state government’s “insensitivity, irresponsible attitude, and negligence” led to the tragic loss of 11 innocent lives some time ago. He further remarked, “When that horrific tragedy is still fresh in our minds, asking for special passes or tickets for oneself is equally insensitive. I do not support it.”
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment