Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has clarified his stance on reciting the RSS anthem in the state assembly on Tuesday (August 26, 2025). “I just commented and tried to pull their (BJP) leg,” he responded, days after Congress leaders questioned his political allegiance. 

Addressing the criticism of his unexpected rendition of the RSS song, DK Shivakumar said, “Some of my friends are taking a political leap, trying to misuse it and cause confusion among the public. I don’t want to hurt their feelings. If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them. I would like to seek an apology from all of them.”

At the same time, he reiterated his lifelong commitment to Congress, stating, “The Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I am a born congressman. I will die as a Congressman. I have a lot of followers and friends across the party line, in different political parties. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“Gandhi family is my god, I am their devotee,” Shivakumar added. The RSS Anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume’ was sung by Shivakumar during a heated debate on the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident in the Karnataka Assembly. His recitation sparked a rift in the State Congress, with party leaders asking, ‘Who is he trying to please?’

Reacting to Dy CM DK Shivakumar reciting the RSS anthem, Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara had said, “I don’t want to comment on that. We have the high command. They are always watching what their leaders are doing, making statements, or taking a stand on issues. It is for the high command to see. If they feel that this is wrong, then they will ask for an answer from Shivakumar. If they think this is just a reference and it is in a different context, then they will not bother about this.”