1. Shivakumar Apologises After Assembly Recital Sparks Controversy
On August 26, 2025, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar publicly apologised for reciting lines from the RSS anthem during a debate in the state Assembly last Friday. Addressing reporters at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, he stated, “If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them,” and extended his regret to INDIA bloc leaders and fellow party members. The Economic TimesThe New Indian Express
2. “Just Pulling the BJP’s Leg,” He Clarifies
Shivakumar insisted the act was not a sign of ideological shift, but a jest aimed at mocking the BJP. He said he was “trying to pull the BJP’s leg,” and did not intend any praise for the RSS. The Times of IndiaThePrint
3. “Gandhi Family Is My God,” Reaffirms Political Fidelity
To reaffirm his allegiance, Shivakumar declared: “The **Gandhi family is God, and I am their devotee,” adding, “I am a born Congressman – I will die as one.” He emphasised that his loyalty to the Congress Party and the Gandhi family is beyond challenge. ThePrintwww.ndtv.comThe Economic Times
4. Party Voices Split: Support, Criticism Surface
Senior Congress MLC BK Hariprasad had demanded the apology, questioning Shivakumar’s motives for singing a hymn associated with an organisation previously banned by Congress. Hariprasad argued that while the Deputy CM may represent the state, his role as KPCC President required a stronger line—thus his demand for accountability. The Times of IndiaRediffScroll.in
Meanwhile, party insiders like H.D. Ranganath defended Shivakumar, calling the RSS hymn “melodious and patriotic,” and urged the controversy to be laid to rest. ThePrintScroll.in
5. Political Fallout and Internal Probe Loom
The BJP and JD(S) slammed Shivakumar’s apology as a move to safeguard his political position. BJP’s V. Sunil Kumar criticised the Deputy CM by asserting that he “put aside patriotism just to earn the love of the Gandhi family.” Deccan Herald
With internal tensions mounting, Congress high command is closely monitoring the situation. Leaders like Priyank Kharge warned against any affinity with the RSS, describing it as “toxic,” while G. Parameshwara refrained from direct comment, indicating the party leadership would decide on next steps. The Economic TimesScroll.inThe Times of India
Summary
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s unexpected singing of the RSS anthem in the Karnataka Assembly led to immediate backlash and internal soul-searching within Congress. His apology, clarifying intent and reaffirming loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family, was aimed at quelling the uproar. With divisions emerging among party ranks and the opposition seizing on the controversy, Shivakumar’s political standing is under close scrutiny.
