 Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 22: A 73-second video clip showing one of the top Congress leaders and the Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivkumar of Karnataka singing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)'s Prarthana “Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume” - in the Legislative Assembly has created furore in political circles.
This action of the D K Shivkumar prompted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take a swipe at the Congress over its criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of the organisation in his Independence Day speech.
The Congress leader, however, said he is a "Congress since birth for life" and has no plans to join hands with the BJP.
On Friday, the BJP targeted the Congress, saying a majority of its leaders are now hailing the RSS.
"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," BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X.
Mr “D K Shivkumar's action prompted the BJP to take a swipe at the Congress over its criticisms of PM Modi's mention of the organisation in his Independence Day speech”
"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.
As the video triggered a controversy, Mr Shivakumar said: "I am a born Congressman. As a leader I should know my opponents and friends. I have studied about them. There is no question of joining hands (with the BJP). I will lead the Congress. I have been with the Congress since birth for life."
The assembly was holding a discussion on the June 4 stampede outside the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru when Mr Shivakumar dismissed the Opposition's criticisms and said he can also flag several lapses by BJP-led governments in other states. | 