File photo: Congress MLA HD Ranganath (Facebook)
NEW DELHI: Days after Karnataka deputy chief minister and state Congress chief DK Shivakumar surprised many by reciting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem, another party legislator followed suit on Sunday. Congress MLA HD Ranganath, speaking to reporters in his Kunigal constituency in Tumakuru district, recited the opening lines of “Namaste Sada Vatsale” and described it as a “very good song,” PTI reported.”I heard it after the deputy CM sang it in the assembly. I see nothing wrong in that. Ours is a secular party, and we must accept good things from others,” he said.Criticising opposition BJP, whose ideological mentor is the RSS, the Congress leader added, “Right-wingers insist on creating divisions of caste and religion, which we oppose. Their ideology can never match ours. But what is wrong if someone sings a song from the RSS?”Shivakumar sings RSS anthemOn Thursday, Shivakumar had sung the opening lines of “Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome” (Salutations to you, ever-loving motherland) during a discussion in the Karnataka assembly on the June 4 stampede near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives.While the opposition thumped tables in approval, the Congress benches fell silent. The recital, made amid his ongoing tussle with chief minister Siddaramaiah over the state’s top post, also fuelled political speculation.Shivakumar, however, dismissed suggestions about his allegiance the following day, stressing that he was a Congressman through and through.”As long as I live, I will remain a Congressman. My life, my blood – everything belongs to Congress. I now lead the party, and I will stand as its pillar of support,” he said to reporters.
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