India, March 26 -- Nothing brings Indians together like cricket does - even across political boundaries. Karnataka has presented the latest example of this. Steeped in "VIP" culture, though.

Legislators from both the state's ruling Congress and the opposition BJP want free tickets - one MLA set the bar at five each - for the Indian Premier League (IPL) inaugural match to be held in Bengaluru.

The issue came up in the legislative assembly, raised by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, who got support from across the board.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar referred to a legendary Mauryan king as he said he would raise it with the Karnataka State Cricket Association. "I will surely tell them this is a request from 'Samrat Ashok'," he said in jest insid...