Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday surprised everyone by singing the first stanza of RSS anthem Namasthe sadaa vatsale in the Assembly.The episode unfolded when Mr. Shivakumar, while replying to the debate in the Assembly on the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations, shot back at the Opposition that had demanded resignation of himself, Chief Minister and Home Minister, wondering if political leaders of other States including the Uttar Pradesh had taken responsibility for stampedes.“I too know how to respond as I have been trained under senior leader Dr. Parameshwara, though not under you [BJP]” Mr. Shivakumar said.Leader of Opposition R. Ashok reminded him that he too had sometime ago revealed that he had donned RSS robes once. Mr. Shivakumar at this point sang the first stanza of RSS anthem with a smile.BJP legislator V Sunil Kumar quipped, saying, “Hope these lines are not removed from the records”.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, 2025Mr. Shivakumar said, “I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and people there, including the KSCA secretary, are my friends. I am the Bengaluru In-Charge Minister. I had gone to the Airport and Stadium (on June 4). I also held the Karnataka flag, I did wish them (RCB) and I kissed the cup as well. I have done my job”.Published - August 22, 2025 10:58 am IST