BENGALURU: Clarifying on his singing the RSS anthem in the Karnataka Assembly, which has triggered discussion on his joining the BJP, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that he is a born Congressman, and there was no question of his joining hands either with the BJP or the Rastriyaswayam Sevak Sangh.
He was responding to questions from the media at Vidhana Soudha on Friday.
“I am a staunch Congressman. A Congressman by birth. As long as I live, I will remain a Congressman. My life, my blood – everything belongs to the Congress. I am now leading the party, and I will stand as its pillar of support, ” asserted Shivakumar firmly.
When asked about discussions that his singing of the RSS anthem in the Assembly meant he was joining hands with the BJP and RSS, Shivakumar replied, “There is no question of me, either directly or indirectly, joining hands with them in any manner. I am a staunch Congressman. I have studied and researched about Janata Dal, the BJP, and likewise, I have also understood the RSS.”
“I have carried out my own research on every political party. I know how the RSS has built its organisation in the state. The RSS has been bringing educational institutions under its fold at every taluk and district level. It is investing heavily and working to reach children, ” Shivakumar said.
“Politically, we may have differences of opinion. But as a political leader, should I not know who among my rivals are friends and who are foes? That is why I have studied the history of the RSS, ” he added.
“At times, some organisations may have a few good qualities. Shouldn’t we also take note of those? Speaking directly and boldly is our quality. Similarly, we should observe the good qualities in others, and that is what I have done, ” Shivakumar stated.
Pointing to the media, he added, “Each of you has your own qualities. Some of you have the quality of slipping away when caught, and some have good qualities too. Shouldn’t we also notice those?”
When asked about BJP leaders undertaking a Dharmasthala pilgrimage, Shivakumar said, “BJP is a spent force. What they are doing is mere politics. The investigation team, headed by senior officer Mohanty, is carrying out its work meticulously.”