NEW DELHI: Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar sparked a surprise by singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem inside the state assembly. The anthem, Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome, is traditionally sung at RSS shakhas (branches) across the country. A clip of Shivakumar singing it during the ongoing monsoon session has since gone viral. Shivakumar, had previously said that he attended RSS shakhas as a schoolboy in Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar area. His act drew attention because the Congress has historically been one of the strongest critics of the RSS, which is widely seen as the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Shivakumar, however, dismissed suggestions that his recital carried any political signal. “I am a born Congressman; my blood, my life, everything is here. I know how the RSS is building institutions in Karnataka, acquiring schools. I am a Congressman and I will lead the Congress with all my strength,” he said.Reacting to the incident, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari wrote on X: “Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume. DK Shivakumar seen singing the RSS anthem yesterday in the Karnataka assembly. Rahul Gandhi & close aides of Gandhi Vadra family straight into ICU/Coma mode now.”