Controversy Over Karnataka Deputy CM's Anthem Surprise

Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar faced criticism for singing the RSS anthem in the state assembly. Congress MLC B K Hariprasad demanded an apology, questioning Shivakumar's allegiance. Despite the backlash, other politicians defended Shivakumar, suggesting his actions didn't indicate BJP alignment.

The political landscape in Karnataka saw fresh turbulence when Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar found himself at the center of controversy. The uproar began after Shivakumar unexpectedly sang the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem during a legislative assembly discussion.

This act drew critique from Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) B K Hariprasad, who openly questioned Shivakumar's motives, hinting at a potential departure from Congress principles. Hariprasad insisted on an apology, emphasizing that the RSS had been banned multiple times in post-independence India.

Meanwhile, attempts to mitigate the backlash came from Karnataka's Social Welfare Minister Mahadevappa, amongst others, who clarified that Shivakumar's recital did not imply any shift towards the BJP. Yet the incident has raised debates around political alliances and ideological standpoints.

(With inputs from agencies.)