DK Shivakumar Sings RSS Anthem At Karnataka Assembly And Sparks Political Controversy
Bangalore (Karnataka) – DK Shivakumar, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, has been at the centre of controversy after singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem in the premises of the State Assembly on Thursday. This incident has prompted a strong reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party and raised concerns about the internal dynamics of the Congress Party.
In a 73-second social media video, DK Shivakumar is seen singing the RSS’s official anthem “Namaste Vatsale Mattrubhume”, which also serves as the BJP’s ideological parent. This video, which was taken in the Karnataka Assembly premises, has added to the controversy over the actions of the Deputy Chief Minister.
After BJP members made a joke about DK Shivakumar’s past comments criticizing RSS, the incident happened. The Congress leader clarified his position quickly, saying that he is still committed to the party. “I was born a Congressman. Leaders should be familiar with their opponents and allies. They are people I’ve studied. It is not possible to join hands with the BJP. I will be the leader of the Congress. DK Shivakumar responded to the controversy by saying, “I have been with Congress from birth and for my entire life.”
Pradeep Bhandari, BJP National Spokesperson, on Friday, used the incident as a way to attack the Congress Party. DK Shivakumar was seen yesterday singing the RSS Anthem in the Karnataka Assembly. Bhandari wrote on the social media platform X that Rahul Gandhi & close aides from Gandhi Vadra’s family are now in ICU/Coma Mode.
Bhandari linked the incident with recent criticisms from Congress leaders about Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioning the RSS during his Independence Day address. The BJP spokesperson claimed that despite these criticisms, a large majority of Congress officials are now praising the RSS. After PM Modi spoke from the Red Fort ramparts about the RSS’s contribution, the majority of Congress Leaders are now praising the RSS. “No one, from Tharoor down to DK Shivekumar in Congress takes Rahul serious,” said he.
This controversy brings to light the political tensions that continue in Karnataka, and also raises concerns about the unity of the Congress Party. DK Shivakumar’s actions provided ammunition for the BJP, which has repeatedly criticized Congress over what they call double standards in regards to RSS.
“Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume…”
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) August 22, 2025
– DK Shivakumar seen singing the RSS anthem yesterday in the Karnataka assembly
Rahul Gandhi & close aides of Gandhi Vadra family straight into ICU/Coma mode now.
After PM Modi spoke about the contribution of the RSS from the ramparts of… pic.twitter.com/SmB9tnGs5v
The incident occurred at a moment when Karnataka’s politics were still highly charged. Both parties are vying to gain public support in advance of future elections. While the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement expressing his commitment to the Congress could help to contain immediate consequences, the implications for politics are sure to reverberate in the days to come.
Karnataka Assembly
Karnataka Legislative Assembly (KLA) is the lower chamber of India’s bicameral state legislature. It is located in Bangalore and serves as a primary forum for political discussion at the state level, including governance decisions that affect Karnataka’s 60-million population.
