Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed speculation about aligning with the BJP or RSS, asserting his lifelong commitment to the Congress party. “My blood is Congress, and my life is Congress. I am given the responsibility of leading the party in the state, and I firmly stand with the party,” Shivakumar told reporters at Vidhana Soudha.
The remarks came after Shivakumar sang the RSS anthem, Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome, in the Karnataka Assembly, sparking political debate over his future with the Congress. BJP leaders seized the opportunity to criticise Congress, pointing to its past attacks on the RSS.
Shivakumar clarified that his singing of the anthem was not political but part of his broader study of political organisations, including the RSS, BJP and JDS. “There is no question of my joining hands directly or indirectly. I continue to research the BJP and JDS as political leaders. Similarly, I have researched RSS too,” he said.
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Explaining his approach, Shivakumar said a political leader needed to know both allies and rivals. “I do my own research on political outfits. I am aware of how RSS built its organisation in the state. RSS is investing significant amounts and is taking educational institutions into its fold in every district and every taluk. It is trying to reach students,” he said.
He added that political differences did not prevent him from studying the methods of other organisations.
“I may have political differences, but as a political leader it is important to understand who are my friends and foes. I have learnt about RSS history for the same reason. Any organisation will have some positives and we need to observe and study them,” Shivakumar said.
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