Karnataka Congress state president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar took everyone by surprise when he sang the RSS anthem or prayer song during a discussion in the state assembly on Thursday on the stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium.
The RSS prayer song—'Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume'—is a salutation by the swayamsevaks to the motherland, expressing gratitude for her nurturing affection and follows a pledge of devotion and selfless service to the country.
The incident happened as BJP MLA R. Ashok pointed towards Shivakumar and said the state government should take responsibility for the RCB stampede.
In response, Shivakumar said he knew all about the BJP's tricks, and then recited a few lines of the RSS anthem during his exchange of words with the BJP MLA.
The opposition welcomed the anthem by thumping the table, but there was an absolute silence in the Congress camp.
The BJP legislator V. Sunil Kumar said, "Hope these lines are not removed from the records".
Later, Shivakuamr Congressman clarified, saying he is a "born Congressman" and as a leader it is his responsibility to know who his friends and opponents are. "I just try to learn about the RSS and its history. Politically, we have a lot of differences. But the BJP should know I them deeply."
#WATCH | Bengaluru | On being asked if there is a political message behind reciting the RSS anthem in the Karnataka Assembly yesterday, Dy CM DK Shivakumar says, "I am a born Congressman... I have done research on all political parties. I know how RSS is building institutions in… https://t.co/8hIzya1Qsk pic.twitter.com/YKFixlsSvN
— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2025
He said he has no intention of joining hands with the BJP, directly or indirectly and added he will remain a Congressman till the end of his life as the party is in his blood.
"I have done research on all political parties. I know how RSS is building institutions in Karnataka. They are acquiring all the schools in every district. They are trying to preach to children," he said.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | On Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar reciting the RSS anthem in the Karnataka Assembly yesterday, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra says, "DK Shivakumar is a big artist of Karnataka. He is an expert at speaking inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha. We also… pic.twitter.com/QAadTIqH0y
— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2025
BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra slammed the Congress leader, saying he shouldn't be taken seriously. "Shivakumar is a big artist of Karnataka. He is an expert at speaking inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha. We also need to learn this from him. He has recited the RSS anthem, but please don't take him seriously," Vijayendra said.
