Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar Stuns Assembly by Singing RSS Song Namaste Sada Vatsale Amid RCB Stampede Debate

By Sneha Gowda | New Delhi Chronicle

Bengaluru, August 21 – A heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar sang the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) hymn “Namaste Sada Vatsale” in the House. The incident unfolded during discussions on the tragic stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where 11 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans lost their lives during victory celebrations.

Tragedy Overshadowed by Political Fireworks

The session began with Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara briefing the House on the stampede that shook Bengaluru, raising questions about public safety during large-scale sporting events. However, the focus soon shifted when Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok targeted Shivakumar for attending RCB’s victory celebrations instead of focusing on governance.

Shivakumar defended his presence at the event, saying:

“I am a cricket enthusiast, a KSCA member, and I went to the stadium as a fan. I even hugged and congratulated the players.”

Opposition Taunt Sparks Controversial Reply

R. Ashok hit back with a sharp remark, accusing Shivakumar of being ideologically inconsistent:

“You were practically wearing the RSS khaki shorts,” Ashok said in a mocking tone.

In response, Shivakumar rose from his seat and began singing the RSS prayer song “Namaste Sada Vatsale,” leaving the Assembly in shock.

Double Standards Debate: Rahul Gandhi vs. D.K. Shivakumar

The move has triggered sharp political reactions. Critics were quick to point out the irony that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi often declares his fight is against the RSS, while his own state party president chose to sing an RSS hymn on the Assembly floor.

This contradiction has fueled accusations of “double standards within the Congress,” raising questions about the party’s stance on ideological consistency.

Congress Ideologue’s Counterpoint: A Tactical Move, Not an Ideological Shift

From a Congress perspective, the incident is best understood as a moment of political theatre rather than a statement of belief. Party ideologues argue that engaging the Opposition in their own cultural language was a way to blunt their attack, not an endorsement of their philosophy.

Yet, the act carries a clear caveat: singing an RSS hymn inside the Assembly does not align with the core ideology of the Congress, which has historically positioned itself against the RSS’s worldview. For Shivakumar, it was a tactical necessity in the heat of debate, but one that underscores the delicate balance Congress leaders must strike between sharp rebuttals and ideological consistency.