Karnataka Deputy CM breaks silence on RSS anthem row

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar responded to mounting criticism over his recitation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem during the recently concluded Monsoon session of the Karnataka Assembly, stating he would apologise if his actions had hurt anyone.

Breaking his silence, Shivakumar said, “My statement has been twisted. Will apologise if anyone is hurt.”

His comments come amid internal strife within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, with senior party leader and MLC B.K. Hariprasad publicly demanding an apology from Shivakumar. Hariprasad, speaking to reporters in Delhi, said there was no issue with the Deputy CM singing the RSS anthem in his official capacity, but strongly objected to the act being performed by Shivakumar in his role as State Congress President.

“The BJP will naturally welcome such developments. The RSS has been banned three times in the country. If he recited the song as Deputy Chief Minister, there would be no objection... But as the State Congress President, he should apologise,” Hariprasad said.

He went further, invoking history to criticise Shivakumar’s choice. “RSS members were responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Against that backdrop, Shivakumar must apologise.”

Another Congress MLA, K.N. Rajanna, who was recently dropped from the Cabinet, also weighed in, suggesting there were “different rules” for the Deputy CM within the party, adding to the perception of internal discord.