Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Legislative Council, during the Karnataka Legislative Session at Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru.

| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday (August 22, 2025) surprised everyone by singing the first stanza of the RSS anthem Namasthe Sadaa Vatsale in the Karnataka Assembly.The episode unfolded when Mr. Shivakumar, while replying to the debate in the Assembly on the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations, shot back at the Opposition that had demanded resignation of himself, Chief Minister and Home Minister, wondering if political leaders of other States — including the Uttar Pradesh — had taken responsibility for stampedes.“I too know how to respond as I have been trained under senior leader Dr. Parameshwara, though not under you [BJP]” Mr. Shivakumar said.Leader of Opposition R. Ashok reminded him that he too had sometime ago revealed that he had donned RSS robes once. At this point, Mr. Shivakumar broke into the first stanza of the RSS anthem with a smile.— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 22, 2025BJP legislator V Sunil Kumar quipped, saying, “Hope these lines are not removed from the records.”Mr. Shivakumar said, “I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and people there, including the KSCA secretary, are my friends. I am the Bengaluru In-Charge Minister. I had gone to the Airport and Stadium (on June 4). I also held the Karnataka flag, I did wish them (RCB) and I kissed the cup as well. I have done my job”.‘I’m a born Congressman’A day after his recitation created a flurry, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that he knows about both his opponents as well as his friends. When asked about the political message behind singing the RSS anthem, he said that he is aware of the RSS and its history.Mr. Shivakumar told reporters, “I am a born Congressman. 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. As a leader, I should know who my opponents are and who my friends are. I just try to know about the RSS and its history. Politically, we have a lot of differences. But the BJP should know I have gone very deep into them.”Addressing the speculations of joining the BJP, he said, “No joining hands. I am a Congressman and I will lead the Congress.”(With inputs from ANI) Published - August 22, 2025 10:58 am IST