DK Shivakumar Sings RSS Song in Karnataka Assembly, Later Clarifies Remarks

DK Shivakumar Sings RSS Anthem in Karnataka Assembly, Clarifies He Remains a Congress Leader.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stirred controversy on Thursday after singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem in the state assembly. The incident drew sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Congress leaders of praising the RSS despite previously criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of the organisation in his Independence Day speech.

A 73-second video showed Shivakumar singing Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume during a discussion on the June 4 stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. The BJP used the clip to target Congress, with spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari suggesting many leaders in the party are now hailing the RSS and that Rahul Gandhi is not taken seriously by his colleagues.

Shivakumar, however, clarified his stance, stating, “I am a born Congressman. I have been with the Congress since birth and will remain so. There is no question of joining hands with the BJP.” He added that understanding opponents and their organisations is part of a leader’s responsibility.

During the assembly session, Shivakumar also addressed criticisms regarding his presence at IPL celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first-ever victory. He dismissed the opposition’s remarks, saying, “The stampede was an unfortunate accident. I performed my duties responsibly and cannot be blamed for events beyond my control.”

The Deputy Chief Minister sang the RSS anthem in a lighthearted manner after Leader of Opposition R Ashoka reminded members of Shivakumar’s past association with RSS attire, highlighting the jovial context of the act.