DK Shivakumar apologises after massive row in Congress over RSS anthem

Shivakumar sang the RSS anthem as BJP members attacked him over the stampede

After creating a stir by singing the RSS anthem, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said he would apologise if the Congress and INDI alliance were hurt by his action.

“If anyone is hurt, I apologise... My loyalty to Congress, Gandhi family can't be questioned by anyone. I'm a born Congressman, will die as one,” he said at a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Shivakumar sang the RSS anthem during a heated debate inside the Assembly on the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede that killed 11 people. He sang after BJP leader R Ashoka demanded the his resignation of along with that of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and state home minister G Parameshwara for the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede in June this year. The BJP accused the government of abetting the tragedy by creating “mass frenzy” during RCB’s victory celebrations.

"I just commented and tried to pull their (BJP) leg. Some of my friends are taking a political leap, trying to misuse it and cause confusion among the public... I don't want to hurt their feelings. If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them. I would like to seek an apology to all of them... The Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I am a born congressman. I will die as a Congressman... I have a lot of followers and friends across the party line, in different political parties, I don't want to hurt anyone...," said Shivakumar.

Earlier on Monday, senior leader BK Hariprasad urged Shivakumar to apologise for his act.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, BK Hariprasad said that while there is no objection to singing the RSS anthem as Deputy Chief Minister, it was inappropriate for Shivakumar to do so as the state Congress president. "He (Deputy CM Shivakumar should apologise," he said. "RSS members were responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Against that backdrop, Shivakumar must apologise. I don't know to whom the message of singing the RSS anthem is directed. Shivakumar wears many hats -- farmer, businessman, politician -- but by singing the anthem of an organisation that killed Mahatma Gandhi, the message could reach anyone," he said.

Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday refused to comment on the issue. "We have the high command. They are always watching what their leaders are doing, making statements or taking a stand on issues. It is for the high command to see. If they feel that this is wrong, then they will ask for an answer from Shivakumar. If they think this is just a reference and it is in a different context, then they will not bother about this..." he told ANI.