Karnataka Deputy CM sings RSS anthem in Assembly; then clarifies 'I am a born Congressman'

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar created a stir within Congress after he sang the RSS anthem, "Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome”, during a debate inside the state's Assembly. The video of the incident also went viral on social media today.

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar sang the RSS anthem during a heated debate inside the Assembly on the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede that killed 11 people.

It was after BJP’s R Ashoka demanded the resignation of Shivakumar, 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.

Shivakumar, defending himself, said he had gone to the airport and stadium in his capacity as Bengaluru in-charge minister and as a KSCA member. “I did my job. The accident happened. Such things have happened in other states as well. If needed, I will read out the list of incidents that have occurred elsewhere,” he told the House.

“Even I know how to respond, as I have been trained under senior leader Parameshwara, though not under you,” Shivakumar said.

As BJP members pressed further, Ashoka reminded Shivakumar of his past remarks about having once worn the RSS uniform. Shivakumar responded by reciting the first stanza of the RSS anthem inside the Assembly. The unusual moment drew laughter and table-thumping from the Opposition benches.

Earlier, Shivakumar had also admitted that he attended RSS shakhas during his school days in Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar. His remarks have come at a time when the Congress has been at loggerheads with the RSS, an ideological organisation of BJP.

However, Shivakumar dismissed speculation that his RSS anthem recital carried any political signal. “I am a born Congressman, my blood, my life, everything is here. I have researched all political parties. I know how RSS is building institutions in Karnataka, acquiring schools and preaching to children. As a leader, I must know who my opponents are and who my friends are. But politically, we have a lot of differences. No joining hands, I will lead the Congress with all my strength,” he said.