Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar set the political circles and the online world abuzz as he recited a few lines from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem in the state Assembly during a discussion in the ongoing Monsoon session.
The video of the deputy chief minister singing the ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome’ in the Assembly Thursday was shared widely on social media, with people interpreting it in their own way, some hinting the Congress strongman was running out of patience in the Rahul Gandhi-led party.
“D.K. Shivakumar singing the RSS anthem in the House. Maybe that’s his way of telling Siddaramaiah to vacate the chair before it’s too late. Karnataka government looks on shaky ground,” wrote an X user who goes by the handle @craziestlazt, pointing to factional fight within the Congress over power-sharing between the two senior leaders.
But on Friday, Shivakumar poured cold water on all the chatter. “I have no intention of joining hands with them (BJP and RSS) in any way, directly or indirectly. I am a genuine Congressman. I am doing research on the Janata Dal and the BJP. I have also learned about the RSS,” he told reporters in Bengaluru Friday.
He also wrote a social media post, reiterating his loyalty to the Congress. “I am a Congressman for life! I am a born Congressman; my blood, my life, everything is here. I know my friends and I know my opponents, and I understand them with clarity of thought. The RSS and BJP must reflect on their own history and ties, but let there be no doubt—I stand only with the Congress. I will live and lead for the Congress Party with all my heart and soul.”
Shivakumar chanted the RSS anthem while responding to the BJP’s R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, during a discussion on the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed the lives of 11 people, as a huge crowd gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title win.
Shivakumar sang the RSS anthem as BJP members attacked him over the stampede, alleging he created a frenzy around the RCB victory. They alleged the deputy chief minister went to receive the RCB team at the Bengaluru airport, waving the Kannada flag through the journey from the airport to the stadium.
Shivakumar responded by saying, “I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and people there, including the KSCA secretary, are my friends. I am the Bengaluru in-charge minister. I went to the airport and the stadium. I also held the Karnataka flag. I wished them (the RCB team). And I kissed the cup as well.”
“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 in other places as well. I, too, have many things to say about you as well,” he said.
I am a Congressman for life!
I am a born Congressman; my blood, my life, everything is here. I know my friends and I know my opponents, and I understand them with clarity of thought. The RSS and BJP must reflect on their own history and ties, but let there be no doubt – I stand… pic.twitter.com/CTmOtK4FVF
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 22, 2025
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka then told Shivakumar he once wore the ‘RSS chaddi’. The deputy chief minister did acknowledge he was part of the RSS when he was young.
Then, much to the amusement of the House, Shivakumar recited two lines from the RSS anthem. The Opposition welcomed him with the thumping of the desk, but the Congress camp looked stunned.
Shivakumar asked the Opposition if their government ever took responsibility for any incident that occurred under their rule. “You should feel proud that this government quickly acted and initiated action against police officers and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.”
“Politically, we may have differences. As a political person, do I not need to know who are my friends and who are my enemies among my political opponents? That is why I have learned the history of the RSS,” Shivakumar said outside the Assembly.
It’s no secret that earlier the BJP did pursue Shivakumar to leave the Congress. On Friday too, it sounded impressed but ruled out him switching over.
“Showing love is good and can win hearts, but politicians often change colours. Why he sang it, we don’t know. The Congress has always opposed the RSS because it teaches patriotism, imparts values, and unites Hindus. These things are disliked by the Congress as they challenge their family politics and could weaken dynastic control,” senior BJP leader and MLC C.T. Ravi told news agency IANS.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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