Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has apologised for singing the RSS anthem, stating that he would do so if the Congress and the INDIA alliance were "hurt" by his actions. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he said, "If anyone is hurt, I apologise... My loyalty to Congress, Gandhi family can't be questioned by anyone. I'm a born Congressman, will die as one."
The incident occurred during a heated Assembly debate on the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, which resulted in 11 deaths in June. Shivakumar sang the anthem after Bharatiya Janata Party leader R Ashoka had demanded the resignation of Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and state home minister G Parameshwara. The BJP has accused the government of abetting the tragedy by creating a "mass frenzy" during RCB's victory celebrations.
Shivakumar explained that he "just commented and tried to pull their (BJP) leg." He said that "some of my friends are taking a political leap, trying to misuse it and cause confusion among the public." He added, "I don't want to hurt their feelings. If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them. I would like to seek an apology from all of them... The Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I have a lot of followers and friends across the party line, in different political parties, I don't want to hurt anyone."
Earlier on Monday, senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad had urged Shivakumar to apologise. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Hariprasad said that while there was no objection to him singing the anthem as Deputy Chief Minister, it was inappropriate for him to do so as the state Congress president. "RSS members were responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Against that backdrop, Shivakumar must apologise," he said and wondered for whom the message of singing the RSS anthem was directed.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara declined to comment on the matter, stating, "It is for the high command to see".
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