The recent singing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the state assembly has ignited a political firestorm, prompting reactions from various quarters, including a defense from fellow Congress leader Priyank Kharge. Shivakumar's act, occurring during a debate, has been viewed by some as a calculated move, sending ripples through both his own party and the opposition.

Following the incident, Shivakumar affirmed his loyalty to the Congress party, declaring himself a "born Congressman". However, his gesture in the Assembly has left many guessing about his intentions. Some speculate that Shivakumar was subtly reminding the party high command of a purported power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with an eye on the coveted post later this year.

Amidst the speculation, Karnataka's Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, weighed in on the matter with a cryptic post on X. While calling the RSS a "toxic organisation," Kharge reminded everyone that leaders like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had cautioned people about the organization. Kharge stated that the RSS, which did not accept the Constitution, disrespects the national flag, and has an agenda of treating women and the oppressed as third-class citizens, is not only an enemy of the Congress but also the greatest enemy of the unity of this country.

Kharge's statement can be interpreted as a defense of Shivakumar through the strategic application of the adage "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." By engaging with and understanding the ideology of the RSS, even through symbolic gestures like singing their anthem, one can better counter their influence and protect the values of the Congress party and the nation.

Other Congress leaders have also offered varied perspectives. Some defended Shivakumar's right to sing the anthem in his capacity as Deputy Chief Minister, representing people from diverse backgrounds. Kunigal MLA H.D. Ranganath, a Shivakumar supporter, sang the anthem again and lauded it as a melodious song, emphasizing the need to accept good things from all people and parties. He clarified that while he opposes the BJP's right-wing ideology, there is nothing wrong with pointing out what is there in the RSS.

Conversely, some within the Congress party have expressed reservations, with some demanding an apology from Shivakumar for singing the RSS anthem. They argue that it hurt the sentiments of Congress members, especially given the RSS's association with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

The BJP, meanwhile, has seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress party's stance on the RSS. They highlight what they see as a contradiction between Rahul Gandhi's negative pronouncements about the RSS in Delhi and Shivakumar's seemingly positive gesture in Karnataka.

The incident has occurred against the backdrop of ongoing speculation about a potential rift between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, further fueling the political intrigue. Some observers believe Shivakumar's actions may be a veiled message amid these rumors.

Notably, this isn't the first time a Congress leader has engaged with the RSS. Former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was accused of having a soft stance on the RSS, and former President Pranab Mukherjee visited the RSS headquarters in 2018. These instances suggest a complex and sometimes nuanced relationship between the Congress and the RSS, defying simple categorization.