Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that as a leader, he should know who his opponents and friends are.
He added that he studies the RSS and its history, noting that while there are many political differences, the BJP should know that he understands them deeply.
He was responding to questions about whether there was a political message behind his recitation of the RSS anthem in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday.
"I am a born Congressman. I have done research on all political parties. I know how RSS is building institutions in Karnataka. They are acquiring all the schools in every district. They are trying to preach to children. As a leader, I should know who my opponents are and who my friends are. I just try to learn about RSS and its history. Politically, we have a lot of differences. But the BJP should know I them deeply," he said.
Karnataka Assembly: RSS Anthem Incident
During a debate on the stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar read out a few lines from the RSS national anthem while arguing with BJP MLA R Ashoka. The incident happened when Ashoka pointed at Shivakumar and said that the state government should take responsibility for the RCB stampede.
In response, Shivakumar said he was well aware of the BJP's strategies and then recited a part of the RSS national anthem. Addressing the Assembly, he admitted that a mistake had been made but insisted that the government acted promptly. He said, "I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and everyone present there is my friend. I also carried the flag and handed over the cup. There was some mistake, but I am just a cricket fan. The government has acted promptly. Was there no stampede at the Kumbh Mela?"
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka had earlier urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar to answer questions related to the stampede. Ashoka said, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar should answer in this matter. When it has nothing to do with the Chief Minister of the state, how can the police give permission? There was a huge crowd gathered there, which called for permission for the function. They should answer now."
(With ANI Inputs)
