Karnataka: DK Shivakumar Addresses Speculations About Joining BJP: Will He Really Make the Switch?
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president DK Shivakumar on Thursday shocked everyone by singing a few lines of an RSS prayer during a discussion on the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in the Assembly. 11 people died in the stampede during the event organized after RCB's victory in the IPL. Shivakumar was seen singing the first few lines of the prayer 'Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume' recited in RSS shakhas, when BJP MLAs were accusing him of 'instigating the stampede'.
The BJP MLAs alleged that Shivakumar had come to receive the players on the arrival of the RCB team at the Bengaluru airport and he kept waving the Kannada flag from the airport to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Responding to all these allegations, Shivakumar said that "I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the people of the organization, including the KSCA secretary, are my friends. I am the minister in charge of Bengaluru. I went to the airport and the stadium (on June 4). I also held the flag of Karnataka, wished them (RCB) and also kissed the cup. I did my job.''
Such incidents have happened in other states too
DK Shivakumar further said that the accident happened. Such incidents have happened in other states too. If needed, I will also read out the list of all the incidents that have happened in other places. He said that I also have a lot to say about you. Shivakumar also said that he grew up with Home Minister G Parameshwara. On this, Leader of Opposition, R Ashok reminded Shivakumar that he had once said that he wears 'RSS chaddi'.
Opposition cheered but silence in Cong camp
On this statement of the BJP leader, Shivakumar smiled and started singing 'Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume...'. The opposition thumped the tables on this, but there was silence in the Congress camp. BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar quipped that hopefully these lines will not be removed from the record. DK Shivakumar said that you should be proud that this government took immediate action and took action against police officers and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Shivakumar responds
As soon as his video singing RSS prayer went viral, questions started being raised about his inclination towards BJP. DK Shivakumar clarified on Friday that he is a staunch Congress leader. He said that I am a born Congressman, there is no question of joining hands with BJP-RSS. He told reporters in the assembly that my blood is Congress and my life is also Congress.