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DK Shivakumar's ‘message to BJP’ after singing RSS anthem in Karnataka assembly: ‘I’ve gone very deep'

According to DK Shivakumar, he is a born Congressman but has done research on all political parties.

Published on: Aug 22, 2025, 12:10:36 IST
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Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that his singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem in the state assembly was a message to the BJP.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar speaks during the Monsoon session of the state Assembly, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. (DIPR)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar speaks during the Monsoon session of the state Assembly, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. (DIPR)

According to Shivakumar, he is a born Congressman but has done research on all political parties.

"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,” he told news agency ANI.

DK Shivakumar said that he and the RSS have many political differences, but the BJP should know that he has gone deep.

“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,” he said.

DK Shivakumar recited the RSS anthem in the Karnataka assembly

DK Shivakumar recited the RSS anthem while addressing the Assembly on Thursday. A video being widely circulated online shows him singing ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume’ as he stood in the state assembly while addressing the house.

The clip, which is going viral on social media platforms, has surprised many. The exchange began as Shivakumar, responding to the opposition, asserted his comprehensive knowledge and skills, despite not being “groomed" in the opposition’s political arena.

BJP’s Leader of Opposition R Ashoka took a jibe at Shivakumar, reminding him of a past claim he had made about wearing RSS shorts during his school days. This pointed remark was based on a previous revelation by Shivakumar that he had attended an RSS ‘shakha’ in Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar neighbourhood as a boy.

Without hesitation, DK Shivakumar immediately countered Ashoka’s taunt by singing the opening lines of the RSS anthem, “Namaste sada vatsale matrubhume tvaya hindubhime…" This act instantly silenced the assembly and caused a ripple of surprise across the floor.

  • Shivam Pratap Singh
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shivam Pratap Singh

    Shivam Pratap Singh is a digital journalist who works as a Deputy Chief Content Producer with Hindustan Times. Having previously worked with various platforms covering national, international as well as sports events, he blends in various topics to easy to read news pieces for the benefit of the reader. Shivam holds a Master's degree in International Relations from Jamia Millia Islamia, bringing in a unique perspective for whatever is happening around the world. An avid reader, he can be seen immersed in books and book shops while not working. Shivam treats every topic almost equally but loves to right about foreign affairs and politics of India. He has over half-a-decade of experience in digital journalism though his career started in print.Read More

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