Bengaluru, 22 Aug

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Friday, after reciting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) anthem in the Assembly, stated that he knows about opponents and friends.

When asked about the political message behind singing the RSS anthem, he said that he knows about the RSS and its history. He also claimed that the RSS is building institutions in Karnataka and preaching to children.

Dy CM DK Shivakumar told reporters, "I am a born Congressman. I have done research on all political parties. I know how RSS is building institutions in Karnataka. They are acquiring all the schools in every district. They are trying to preach to children. As a leader, I should know who my opponents are and who my friends are. I just try to know about the RSS and its history. Politically, we have a lot of differences. But the BJP should know I have gone very deep into them."

Addressing the speculations of joining the BJP, he said, "No joining hands. I am a Congressman and I will lead the Congress."

Earlier on Thursday, amidst a debate on the Chinnaswamy stadium stadium in the Assembly, DKS broke into the RSS anthem as he exchanged words with BJP’s R Ashoka. The incident occurred during a debate in the Assembly, when Ashoka pointed towards Shivakumar, emphasising that the state government should take responsibility for the RCB stampede. 

Dy CM Shivakumar retorted that he knew all about the BJP's tricks, and then proceeded to recite a few lines of the RSS anthem.

He said, "I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and everyone there is my friend. I have also carried the flag and handed over the cup. Some mistake happened, but I am just a cricket fan. The government has already taken immediate action. Was there no stampede at the Kumbh Mela?"

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, R Ashoka, had asked CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar to respond to allegations over the stampede.

"In this matter, CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar must respond. When this has nothing to do with the state's Chief Minister, how do the police grant permission? A large crowd gathered there, who made the call to grant permission for the celebration. They must answer now," Ashoka said in the Assembly.