Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman’s remark that ‘starving people should not watch the game’ is the reason why the spectators did not come to the India-Sri Lanka cricket match held in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday? Through the leaders’ reactions to the political controversy that erupted over the playing field
∙ Minister M.B. Rajesh
There is a deliberate attempt to pin the blame for the low attendance on the government. The campaign that entertainment tax has been increased is not true. The tax was reduced from 24 to 12 percent. It has been reduced to 50% where it might have been bought. KCA knows that. The entertainment tax for the India-South Africa Twenty20 was only 5%. It was reduced because the competition was held following the Covid crisis.
∙ V.D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition
It was necessary for the state to win the international competition held in Kerala. People boycotted the competition in response to the minister’s arrogant and arrogant announcement. Such a statement is due to arrogance of power.
∙ MV Govindan, CPM State Secretary
The controversy is unnecessary. A chance to watch sports matches is akin to a fundamental right, whether one is starving or rich. The sports minister did not mean that poor people should not watch cricket. Spectators at least not because of the minister’s remarks. The campaign to not watch the game was not right.
∙ Shashi Tharoor MP
The minister should have been boycotted, not the game of cricket. Whether the stadium is full or empty doesn’t matter to the minister who didn’t even bother to watch the match. Boycott will affect Trivandrum’s cricketing prospects.
∙ Pannyan Ravindran, CPI leader
The reason why the spectators stayed away was because of the unnecessary remarks made by those who were supposed to promote the game. Those who made the remark should understand that the loss of ticket sales is not only for KCA but also for the government. The lack of spectators in the stadium may result in Kerala not getting international matches.
∙ Ramesh Chennithala
The wrong policies of the government have led to a decrease in the number of spectators. Sports Minister should have been more cautious. As taxes were increased, common people stayed away.
∙ PMA Salam, Muslim League State General Secretary
Minister’s statement hurt. It is the primary duty of governments to promote the sports sector.
∙ Kodikunnil Suresh MP
Poverty or economic disadvantage is not a bar to watch sports. Minister’s statement is an insult to Kerala.
∙ MV Jayarajan, CPM Kannur District Secretary
Don’t tell starving people not to watch cricket. Cricket is a must watch game for both the hungry and the non-hungry.
English Summary : Controversy over minister V Abdurahiman controversial statement regarding ticket sale for india srilanka one day match