Shivakumar took everyone by surprise by singing the RSS anthem during a discussion in the state Assembly on the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium. The video clip showing the Deputy CM singing the RSS anthem went viral. As Shivakumar sang ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’, BJP MPs cheered, later the saffron party also targeted the Congress, claiming that the majority of its leaders are now hailing the RSS.
Last week Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister created quite a stir when he chose to recite RSS’ anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’ in the state Assembly. However, facing criticism within the Congress’ circles on Tuesday he clarified that he was just trying to pull the opposition BJP’s leg and was ready to apologise if anyone was hurt in the process. He also asserted that he was a Congressman and would die as one.
“I am not bigger than anyone… As a loyal Congressman I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. If you want an apology…If you feel that I have made a mistake, which I have not done, I’m still ready to apologise,” he was quoted as saying.
Reaffirming loyalty to the Congress and Gandhi family, Shivakumar said, “My loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I am a born Congressman, I will die as one,” he also added.
While some defended him, many Congress leaders, including BK Hariprasad, demanded an apology, questioning who he was trying to impress. Called ‘prarthana’ it is sung at Sangh’ gatherings. Written by Nagpur-based Professor Narahari Narayan Bhide, a friend of Dr K B Hedgewar, it was first sung publicly by RSS pracharak Yadavrao Joshi on May 18, 1940 in Sangh Shiksha Varg at Nagpur
Seen as a sign that Shivakumar was disgruntled
On August 21, Shivakumar took everyone by surprise by singing the RSS anthem during a discussion in the state Assembly on the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium. The video clip showing the Deputy CM singing the RSS anthem went viral. As Shivakumar sang ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’, the BJP MPs cheered , later the saffron party also targeted the Congress, claiming that the majority of its leaders are now hailing the RSS.
According to reports, a couple of days later another Congress MLA from the state was seen heaping praise on the song. Speaking to reporters, HD Ranganath crooned the opening lines of the anthem, calling it a “very good song”
He said he too heard it after Shivakumar sang it in the Assembly. “I read its meaning. It says we should salute the land where we are born. I see nothing wrong in that. Ours is a secular party, and we must accept good things from others,” he was quoted as saying
Earlier in July there were reports of trouble brewing between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, though later they both dismissed speculations about a change in the State’ leadership, those familiar with the political happenings in the key southern state insist that the struggle for the top post in Karnataka is “very real”
Coming from the influential Vokkaliga community, Shivakumar is credited with swinging the votes of the community to help Congress defeat the ruling BJP in the last Assembly elections. He expected to be rewarded with the CM post but had to settle as Siddaramaiah’s deputy.
As someone who has been a favourite “trouble shooter” for the Congress, his organising skills have helped keep flock whether it was when the then Maharashtra Chief Minister late Vilasrao Deshmukh faced the trust vote or when late Ahmed Patel was contesting Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. Shivakumar was also one of the observers appointed for Himachal Pradesh in 2024 to resolve the crisis when a key MLA resigned.
