Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president D K Shivakumar has found himself at the centre of a major political row after he sang the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) prayer during a session in the Karnataka Assembly. The incident triggered criticism from several Congress leaders, who alleged that he was attempting to “impress someone” by quoting from the RSS’ anthem.

The row erupted on August 21, 2025, when during a debate in the Assembly, Shivakumar recited a few lines from the RSS prayer “Namaste Sada Vatsale…”, sending shockwaves within his own party. As the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and also the state Congress president, Shivakumar’s move was interpreted by many within Congress as politically controversial, given the party’s long-standing ideological opposition to the RSS.

Criticism from Within Congress

Senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad reacted strongly to the incident, questioning whether Shivakumar was attempting to gain favour with the Sangh. He remarked that if the recitation was done in his capacity as Deputy CM, it could be overlooked since the government represents all citizens, including RSS workers. However, he warned that if Shivakumar had done so as Congress state president, then an apology was warranted.

Other Congress leaders echoed similar concerns, questioning the political optics of a senior Congress leader—who also heads the party in Karnataka—reciting a prayer associated with the RSS inside the Assembly.

Shivakumar’s Defence and Apology

Responding to the criticism, D K Shivakumar called the remarks questioning his loyalty to Congress “stupid” and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to the party. Speaking to reporters, he stressed his deep relationship with the Gandhi family, which he described as that of a “devotee and God.”

“My loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I am a born Congressman, and I will die as a Congressman,” Shivakumar declared.

While insisting that he had not done anything wrong, he offered an apology, saying:
“As a loyal Congressman, I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. If you feel that I have done a mistake, which I have not, I am still ready to apologise. My life has always been dedicated to giving strength to others, and I will continue to stand by the Congress party.”

Balancing Governance and Party Image

The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time for the Congress party in Karnataka, which governs the state and is also preparing for key elections alongside the INDIA bloc. As the state president, Shivakumar plays a central role in managing both governance and electoral strategies.

His statement that he would “die as a Congressman” was meant to reassure party members of his unwavering loyalty. Yet, the optics of reciting an RSS prayer in the Assembly has given rivals and critics within the party a chance to question his actions.

Larger Implications for Congress

This episode underscores the internal tensions within the Congress party, as it grapples with ideological clarity and political positioning. While Congress has consistently opposed the RSS at the national level, incidents like these create opportunities for opponents to highlight contradictions and question the party’s commitment to its stated ideology.

For Shivakumar, the challenge lies in balancing his administrative role as Deputy CM with his responsibilities as Congress state president. His apology may calm immediate dissent, but the RSS anthem row will likely remain a talking point in Karnataka politics, especially with the Opposition looking to capitalise on the controversy.

Conclusion

The DK Shivakumar RSS anthem controversy has once again shown how symbolism and optics play a significant role in Indian politics. A single act of reciting a prayer associated with the RSS has spiralled into a debate over loyalty, ideology, and political motives.

By offering an apology and reiterating that he is a born Congressman who will die as a Congressman, Shivakumar has sought to reassert his loyalty to the Congress party and the Gandhi family. However, the incident has also exposed the fine line leaders must walk in balancing governance duties with party ideology.

As Karnataka heads into politically crucial months, this episode will likely remain a reminder of the sensitivity of ideological positioning in state politics. Whether Shivakumar’s apology will fully put the controversy to rest remains to be seen, but for now, he has made it clear that his allegiance to Congress and the Gandhi family is beyond question.

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