“Born a Congressman”: Shivakumar’s Strong Denial Amid Controversy Over RSS Anthem Incident

On August 23, 2025, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, found himself embroiled in a major political controversy following an event where the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) anthem was allegedly recited. The episode has ignited a heated debate, leading Shivakumar to assert that he is, without question, a “born Congressman.” His firm statement comes after the controversy surrounding his presence at a cultural function where the RSS anthem was played, sparking accusations that he might be sympathetic to the RSS ideology.

The Incident That Sparked the Controversy

The controversy erupted when reports surfaced that Shivakumar, an influential leader of the Congress party, had attended a public event in Bangalore where the RSS anthem was sung. Some media outlets and political analysts claimed that Shivakumar either participated in the anthem recital or did not object to it, creating suspicions about his ideological leanings.

The incident quickly gained widespread attention, particularly from the opposition parties, who wasted no time in accusing Shivakumar of cozying up to the RSS — a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization often aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Critics saw this as an affront to Congress’s secular values and a potential betrayal of its foundational principles.

Shivakumar’s Swift Response

Facing the backlash, Shivakumar was quick to address the allegations, publicly denying any involvement in the anthem’s recital. At a press conference, he made his stance clear, stating, “I am a born Congressman. I have devoted my entire life to the Congress party and its ideals. My family has a long history of working for the Congress, and I am deeply committed to its values of unity, secularism, and inclusivity.”

His remarks aimed to discredit the accusations, focusing on his unwavering loyalty to the Congress party. He also explained that his presence at the event was purely coincidental, asserting that it had no political significance and that he had no intention of endorsing the RSS or its ideology.

Opposition Reacts: BJP Seizes the Opportunity

The controversy provided a fertile ground for the opposition parties, particularly the BJP, to target Shivakumar. BJP leaders quickly jumped on the issue, arguing that Shivakumar’s attendance at an event involving the RSS anthem was deeply problematic, considering the stark ideological differences between the Congress and the RSS. The BJP claimed that his presence was indicative of a deeper, hidden alignment with the RSS, undermining the Congress party’s secular identity.

Shobha Karandlaje, a prominent BJP spokesperson, criticized Shivakumar, stating, “It is hard to believe that a senior Congress leader like Shivakumar would casually attend a function where the RSS anthem is sung. His actions are a clear indication of where his true loyalties lie.”

The BJP’s attack on Shivakumar was not just about the immediate incident but also about raising questions about his integrity as a senior Congress leader. The party, which has long positioned itself as a proponent of Hindu nationalism, used this controversy to challenge the Congress’s claim of being a defender of secularism.

Support for Shivakumar from Congress Leaders

While Shivakumar faced fierce criticism from the opposition, his colleagues in the Congress party rallied behind him. Senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala was quick to defend Shivakumar, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. Surjewala remarked, “The BJP is trying to distract from the real issues that affect the people of Karnataka. Shivakumar is a true Congressman, and there is no question of him aligning with the RSS.”

Other Congress leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Shivakumar’s decades of service to the party and his family’s legacy in Congress were a testament to his commitment to its values. They dismissed the controversy as an attempt by the BJP to undermine the credibility of Congress leaders ahead of upcoming state elections.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying the Controversy

In today’s digital age, controversies like this often snowball on social media platforms, where opinions and counterarguments spread quickly. The hashtag #BornCongressman trended on Twitter, with thousands of users engaging in the debate. Supporters of Shivakumar flooded social media with posts reiterating his commitment to the Congress party, while critics used the incident to push their narrative of betrayal.

On Facebook and Instagram, both Congress and BJP supporters shared memes, posts, and articles to promote their respective viewpoints. This online frenzy amplified the controversy, making it even more difficult for Shivakumar to move past the issue.

Political analysts observed that social media has become a battleground for public opinion, where political leaders must constantly manage their image. The incident with Shivakumar underscores the growing role of digital platforms in shaping political narratives, often at the expense of a nuanced understanding of events.

The Historical Context: Congress vs. RSS

To fully understand the gravity of the controversy, one must consider the historical relationship between the Congress and the RSS. The Congress party, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, has long viewed the RSS as a rival organization due to its right-wing ideology and its criticism of the secular state model promoted by the Congress.

The RSS, on the other hand, has been highly critical of the Congress, especially for what it perceives as the Congress’s appeasement of minorities at the expense of Hindu interests. The ideological chasm between the two organizations has led to decades of political rivalry, with both groups often casting aspersions on each other’s core principles.

For many Congress supporters, any perceived connection to the RSS is a betrayal of the party’s secular identity. Consequently, Shivakumar’s association with an event linked to the RSS has raised serious questions within Congress ranks, even as he continues to assert his loyalty to the party.

The Political Impact in Karnataka

The controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s involvement with the RSS anthem has broader implications for Karnataka politics. With state elections on the horizon, political analysts suggest that this issue could affect Shivakumar’s standing within the Congress and his ability to lead the party in the upcoming polls. While some believe that the controversy will eventually fade, others argue that it could cost him support among Congress’s traditional voter base, who may see the incident as a sign of wavering loyalty.

Shivakumar is considered one of the most prominent faces of the Congress in Karnataka, and any damage to his reputation could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s prospects in the state. At a time when Karnataka is witnessing intense political battles between the Congress and the BJP, the Deputy CM’s role in the party has never been more crucial.

Moving Forward: Will the Controversy Affect Shivakumar’s Career?

As the political storm continues to brew, Shivakumar has maintained that his allegiance to the Congress party is unshakable. However, the incident raises important questions about the intersection of personal actions and political ideology. Can a leader’s personal actions be separated from their political identity? Should Shivakumar’s presence at the event be seen as an isolated incident, or does it signal a deeper shift in his political alignment?

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Shivakumar, as both supporters and detractors continue to debate his political future. As Karnataka prepares for the next round of elections, this controversy may become one of the defining moments of his career. Whether it strengthens his resolve or weakens his position within Congress remains to be seen.