Between anthem & ambition
Strap: From RSS anthem to Isha stage, DKS keeps sparking storms—yet emerges unscathed, time and again
Blurb:
As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continues his sharp attacks on the RSS, questions are being raised over whether Shivakumar is playing a calculated gamble to strengthen his position within the party.
Byline: Ashwin K
Of late, “Namaste, Sada Batsalle,’ these three words have been doing rounds in the political circles of the Karnataka state. Not because it is the anthem of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), but because a staunch Congressman and the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, DK Shivakumar, sang it inside the state Assembly house. It immediately grabbed the attention of the political analysts, who thought it was another tactical move by the DKS to keep the pressure on his party.
As controversies increased and questions were raised over his loyalty to the Congress party, Shivakumar had to defend himself. Refuting claims of his joining or getting close to the BJP, he said it was “just” an act to pull the leg of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), R Ashok.
“I haven’t praised the RSS. It is my job to learn about my opponents. I sang a few lines of the RSS anthem in the Assembly to pull the Leader of the Opposition, R Ashok’s leg. I was only trying to tell Mr. Ashok that I know his background. But some people have taken out only the anthem without the context and are trying to misuse it, and confuse the public,” he noted.
Cementing his loyalty to the Congress Party, the Shivakumar said, “My loyalty to the Congress and the Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I was born a Congressman and will die as a Congressman,” said the trouble-shooter of the Congress in Karnataka. He also apologised to his party and the members of the INDI Alliance.
As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continues his sharp attacks on the RSS, questions are being raised over whether D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) is playing a calculated gamble to strengthen his position within the party. The power tussle between DKS and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is no secret.
When the Congress returned to power in 2023, it was widely said that the Chief Minister’s post would be shared in two terms between the two stalwarts of Karnataka politics. As Siddaramaiah’s tenure drew to a close, speculation grew that DKS would be elevated to the top post. However, that did not happen. With dissatisfaction brewing, many saw his decision to sing the RSS anthem as a signal of anger over the party’s choices.
This, however, is not the first time DKS’ actions have raised eyebrows. Yet, on each occasion, he has managed to navigate controversies and emerge politically unscathed. Here’s a look at some of the episodes that have landed him in the spotlight.
The Mahashivaatri event
On the auspicious event of Mahashivaratri, DKS went to Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation Ashram to celebrate the event. He found himself sitting next to Home Minister Amit Shah. His participation in the event irked the party so much that PV Mohan, the AICC secretary PV Mohan expressed his dissatisfaction on social media. Tagging DKS on a post, he wrote, “Thanking for an invitation from someone who mocks RG, the hope of the nation & aligns with RSS’s narratives, while serving as a president of a secular party, it misleads party workers. It is Conviction rather than compromise ensures the party’s growth. Otherwise, it damages the core.”
In his defence, Shivakumar noted that he went to the event as a follower of Hinduism, and it had nothing to do with politics. “Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation came and invited me. He is from Mysuru. He is a great man and I admire his knowledge and stature but there are many who criticise him. Last time my daughter had gone there…there were some social media posts saying that I am getting closer to the BJP though I haven’t met Amit Shah yet,” he had said then.
Praising of Mahakumbh
When the Mahakumbh was organised in Uttar Pradesh, many criticised it after the massive stampede killed over 30 people. However, instead of taking a jibe at the government, DKS chose to praise the UP government for its administrative good work.
“My experience regarding Mahakumbh was very good. I appreciated the way they organised it. It is not a small job… I am a Hindu. I am a born Hindu and I will die as a Hindu but I love and respect all the religions,” he had said then.
Amid controversies, one has to note that Shivakumar has earned the trust of the Gandhi family. He is seen as someone who is Sonia Gandhi’s favourite. Gandhi repeatedly stood by him when he was in jail. Hence, it is difficult to keep him away from the Congress party.