D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister and State President of Congress in Karnataka, left everyone astounded in the Karnataka Assembly by singing an RSS song. This incident occurred during a heated discussion about the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium, a tragedy that claimed 11 lives. BJP legislators accused Shivakumar of being the cause of the stampede.
The BJP accused Shivakumar of welcoming the RCB team from the airport to Chinnaswamy Stadium, waving the Kannada flag, which led to a massive crowd and consequently a stampede.
In response, Shivakumar, a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and minister in charge of Bengaluru, defended his actions, stating, "I fulfilled my duty. This incident has happened in other states as well, and if necessary, I can list such events."
A Song Sung in the Assembly...
Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashok, reminded Shivakumar of a past remark about wearing an 'RSS khaki'. In response, Shivakumar sang the RSS hymn 'Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume', leaving the Assembly in surprise. The opposition applauded, while the Congress camp fell silent. BJP legislator V. Sunil Kumar humorously remarked, "Hope these lines are not erased from the record."
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Affirming Loyalty to Congress...
After the video of this incident went viral, questions about a potential tilt towards BJP arose. On Friday, Shivakumar clarified that he is a lifelong Congressman and has no intentions to ally with BJP or RSS. He stated, "Congress flows in my veins; my life is Congress." He explained his continued research on BJP and RSS as a political leader.
Why Research on RSS?
Shivakumar disclosed that the RSS is investing massively and integrating educational institutions across districts and talukas. He emphasized the importance of understanding allies and adversaries as a political leader, which is why he has studied RSS's history.
