D.K. Shivakumar Apologizes for Singing RSS Anthem in Assembly

Fast Summary

• Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sang the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly during the monsoon session on August 22, 2025.
• The act sparked criticism within his party and raised questions about his intent.
• Mr.Shivakumar apologized on August 26 to anyone in the Congress party or INDI Alliance who felt hurt by his actions,clarifying that no one from the Congress high command requested him to apologize.
• He asserted that he sang a part of the RSS prayer to mock BJP members during a discussion related to a stampede at an RCB event on June 4, and not as an endorsement of RSS ideology.
• Reiterating his loyalty to Congress as joining politics in 1980, he stated: “I was born a Congressman and will die as a Congressman.”
• Some senior party leaders, including B.K. Hariprasad and K.N. Rajanna, voiced concerns over several recent actions by Mr. Shivakumar.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident highlights challenges faced by politicians navigating symbolic gestures that can be easily misinterpreted in India’s polarized political landscape. Mr.Shivakumar’s apology signals an attempt at damage control amidst criticism within Congress ranks and allies of the INDI Alliance while reaffirming his ideological commitment to Congress values.

This episode underscores ongoing sensitivities around cultural associations tied to RSS across party lines-an aspect particularly meaningful ahead of elections where identity politics often take center stage. Within such contexts, political figures are increasingly scrutinized for messaging contradicting their declared affiliations or values.

Read more: The Hindu