Bengaluru, Mar 31: Registering a sharp spike in daily infections, Karnataka on Wednesday reported 4,225 new cases of COVID-19 and 26 more fatalities, taking the total number of infections to 9,97,004 and the death toll to 12,567, the Health department said.

The day also saw 1,492 patients getting discharged after recovery.

The state had recorded 2,975 new cases yesterday.

Of the fresh infections reported on Wednesday, 2,928 were from Bengaluru Urban district alone.

As of March 31 evening, cumulatively 9,97,004 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which include 12,567 deaths and 9,56,170 discharges, the Health department said in its bulletin.

It said there were a total of 28,248 active cases in the State, including 266 in ICU.

Among 26 deaths reported on Wednesday, 18 are from Bengaluru Urban, two each from Kalaburagi and Tumakuru, and one each from Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Kolara and Chikkamagaluru.

Bidar accounted for 159 cases today, Mysuru 142, Tumakuru 138 and Kalaburagi 137, followed by others.

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Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.

Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”

Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.

Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.

“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.

He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.

“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.

Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.

“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.

He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.

Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.

“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.

Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.

“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.

When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”