DK Shivakumar sings RSS anthem in Karnataka Assembly, clarifies immediately

DK Shivakumar

Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday stoked a controversy by singing the first stanza of RSS anthem Namasthe sadaa vatsale in the Assembly. Shivakumar, however, said he is a "Congress since birth for life" and has no plans to join hands with the BJP.

The episode unfolded when Shivakumar, while replying to the debate in the Assembly on the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations, shot back at the Opposition that had demanded resignation of himself, chief minister and home minister, wondering if political leaders of other States including the Uttar Pradesh had taken responsibility for stampedes.

The BJP targeted the Congress, saying a majority of its leaders are now hailing the RSS. "Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume... DK Shivakumar seen singing the RSS anthem yesterday in the Karnataka assembly. Rahul Gandhi & close aides of Gandhi Vadra family straight into ICU/Coma mode now," BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X.

The Karnataka Assembly was holding a discussion on the June 4 stampede outside the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru when Mr Shivakumar dismissed the Opposition's criticisms and said he can also flag several lapses by BJP-led governments in other states.

"The KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) secretary is my childhood friend, others in the KSCA are also close to me. I am in charge minister for Bengaluru. I did go to the airport, I held the Karnataka flag, I wished them and kissed the cup, I did my job," he said, referring to the celebrations that broke out after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered its first ever victory in the Indian Premier League this year.