Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recited the RSS anthem while addressing the Assembly on Thursday. A video being widely circulated online shows him singing ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume’ as he stood in the state assembly while addressing the house. The clip, which is going viral on social media platforms, has surprised many, as the Congress party has historically opposed the RSS, an organisation recognised as the ideological foundation of the ruling BJP and known for its right-wing nationalist ideology. As the video went viral, the Congress leader also reacted, saying that he is a born Congressman, and as a political leader he must know who his opponent is. “I am a born Congressman and it’s in my blood. But I have done research on all political parties. I’m doing a big research on all political parties. I know how RSS is building institutions in Karnataka. I being a leader, I have done research. They’re acquiring every school in every district and taluk quarters, investing a lot of money,” he said. “They are trying to preach children. As a leader, I should know who my opponents are and who my friends are. So, I just tried to know about RSS, history of RSS. I know politically we have a lot of differences, that’s a different issue. I’m a Congressman, I’ll lead the Congress,” he added. VIDEO | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) recited the RSS’ Sangha Prarthana, ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume’, while addressing the Assembly yesterday. (Source: Third party) (Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/2CNsemZaq4 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 22, 2025 What Exactly Happened? The exchange began as Shivakumar, responding to the opposition, asserted his comprehensive knowledge and skills, despite not being “groomed” in the opposition’s political arena. He stated, “I also have all types of knowledge to chide you. I might not have been groomed in your school, but I have been groomed in Parameshwara school.” In a quick riposte, BJP’s Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka took a jibe at Shivakumar, reminding him of a past claim he had made about wearing RSS shorts during his school days. This pointed remark was based on a previous revelation by Shivakumar that he had attended an RSS ‘shakha’ in Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar neighborhood as a boy. Without hesitation, DKS immediately countered Ashoka’s taunt by singing the opening lines of the RSS anthem, “Namaste sada vatsale matrubhume tvaya hindubhime…” The spontaneous act instantly silenced the assembly and caused a ripple of surprise across the floor. This unprecedented move by a senior Congress leader, whose party has a long-standing ideological opposition to the RSS, is now the talk of the town. Shivakumar concluded his statement by connecting the incident back to the initial debate, mentioning, “…such incidents have happened in other states. Kannadigas who love cricket are there all across the world.” BJP Reacts To Viral Video BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari took a swipe at Congress over the viral video of DK Shivakumar singing the RSS anthem and said in a post on X that “no one in the party takes Rahul Gandhi seriously.” “Rahul Gandhi & close aides of Gandhi Vadra family straight into ICU/Coma mode now. After PM Modi spoke about the contribution of the RSS from the ramparts of the Red Fort, a majority of Congress leaders are now hailing the RSS. No one in Congress – Tharoor to DK Shivkumar takes Rahul seriously!,” he said in a post on X. “Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume…” – DK Shivakumar seen singing the RSS anthem yesterday in the Karnataka assembly Rahul Gandhi & close aides of Gandhi Vadra family straight into ICU/Coma mode now. After PM Modi spoke about the contribution of the RSS from the ramparts of… pic.twitter.com/SmB9tnGs5v — Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)?? (@pradip103) August 22, 2025 DK Shivakumar Counters PM Modi’s Praise For RSS DK Shivakumar recently countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appreciation for RSS during his Independence Day speech from Red Fort. “RSS doesn’t have any history. The Congress party has a longer history in this country. We all know that they (RSS) did not hoist the national flag for a long time, and Vajpayee ji took an initiative on this issue. It is their party’s agenda and I don’t want to comment on it now…Congress party has always protected the Constitution and the country,” DK Shivakumar told ANI. When DK Shivakumar Attended Sadhguru’s Mahashivaratri Event The video comes months after Shivakumar faced internal party criticism after attending a Mahashivaratri event organised by Sadhguru, which was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in February, 2025. Shivakumar’s participation, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, sparked internal criticism within the Congress party. Some party members questioned his association with an event attended by BJP leaders and organised by a figure associated with right-wing ideologies. Shivakumar defended his attendance, stating it was a personal belief and not politically motivated. He emphasised his respect for all religions and clarified that his participation was not intended to align with any political party.