IPL 2026 Final: Karnataka Congress Leaders Congratulate Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Consecutive Titles, Shivakumar Questions Venue Shift

Bengaluru, June 1: D. K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru after their second straight Indian Premier League title. RCB beat Gujarat in the final on Sunday night. Both leaders hailed players, support staff and fans for the strong campaign.

Chief minister-designate Shivakumar also criticised the Indian Premier League organisers. He opposed the decision to move the title clash to Gujarat. He said the final should have taken place in Bengaluru. He called the shift an injustice to Karnataka and hinted at political reasons.

Shivakumar told reporters, "The IPL final match should have happened in Bengaluru. Injustice has been done to us. Due to politics, they held it at a different venue. I won't speak much on it." He said RCB maintained last year's winning momentum throughout.

He added that Royal Challengers Bengaluru had performed very well during the tournament. Shivakumar said, "I congratulate them on behalf of the RCB fans in Karnataka, and the state government." He highlighted the joy among supporters after the team secured back-to-back league titles.

In posts on X, both leaders praised the club and fan base. Shivakumar wrote, "RCB has created history by clinching a second consecutive IPL title. With grit, composure, and the heart of true champions, the team has once again made Bengaluru proud."

He further posted, "Tonight, Bengaluru rises again as champions!" and "This year too, the cup belongs to us." He said the team had written a golden chapter in the franchise's history. He congratulated "players, coaches, support staff, and millions of fans" for their support.

Siddaramaiah also saluted the team’s effort on X. He said RCB had once again emerged as Indian Premier League champions. He credited the side’s aggressive style. "Throughout the tournament, the fearless brand of cricket displayed by the RCB boys seemed to leave opposing teams with no answers," he wrote.

He said the back-to-back title win created a festive mood in RCB homes. Siddaramaiah noted the victory came through a united team effort. He urged fans to celebrate safely. He reminded them to follow State Police Department guidelines issued for post-match celebrations.