DK Shivakumar Softens Stance On RSS, Defends Sangh’s ‘History’ Amid Congress Ban Talk

Last Updated:October 13, 2025, 12:03 IST

While addressing reporters about a scuffle at an event, DKS was careful to direct his criticism solely at the BJP MLA's disruptive behaviour, rather than the RSS.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sparked fresh controversy and exposed internal divisions within the Congress party after he took a noticeably “soft" stance on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), defending the organisation’s legacy, just as his cabinet colleague, Priyank Kharge, sought a ban on its activities on government properties.

The Deputy CM’s remarks followed a chaotic public confrontation at Bengaluru’s JP Park, where BJP MLA Munirathna, clad in an RSS uniform, created a dramatic scene during a government outreach programme led by DKS.

‘Disrespect to RSS, Not Me’: DKS Diverts Blame

While addressing reporters about the on-stage scuffle, DKS was careful to direct his criticism solely at the BJP MLA’s disruptive behaviour, rather than the organisation he represented. He surprisingly pivoted to defend the RSS itself. “What’s the link between RSS and this. That organisation has a history and has been doing its own work," DKS stated. He further argued that Munirathna’s actions had actually dishonoured the Sangh. “It’s disrespect shown to that organisation, not me. That organisation has a history."

This statement puts the state Congress unit in a difficult position, as it directly contradicts the aggressive anti-RSS stance taken by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge.

DKS’s comments landed on the same day that Priyank Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, reiterated his call for a ban on all RSS activities – including shakhas and route marches—on government-owned properties, such as school playgrounds and temple premises.

The Deputy CM’s measured praise for the RSS, describing it as “an organisation with a history of rendering service in its own way," highlights the ideological struggle within the Congress, between DKS’s pragmatic approach, which may seek to temper political conflict, and the party’s long-standing, aggressive opposition to the Sangh Parivar.

The entire episode was triggered when BJP MLA Munirathna arrived at DKS’s “Walk with Bengaluru" campaign, dressed in his full RSS uniform following a parade. The situation escalated when DKS invited the MLA to the stage. A heated exchange over the microphone ensued, during which Munirathna loudly accused DKS of turning a government event into a Congress party affair, staging a high-drama protest. Police were eventually forced to remove the MLA from the stage. Munirathna later alleged he was “deliberately attacked" by Congress workers, claiming his RSS attire was disrespected and that the action was a political plot aimed at forcing his resignation. While DKS condemned the MLA’s lack of patience and urged citizens to “put an end to such representatives," his focus remained on distinguishing the RSS as an institution from the actions of the individual MLA, thereby shielding the Sangh from direct political attack.

This comes a few months after DK Shivakumar decided to recite RSS’s anthem inside the assembly. This not only raised eyebrows but led to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge expressing his displeasure over the statement. The Deputy Chief Minister later tendered an apology.

Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...Read More

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...

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News politics DK Shivakumar Softens Stance On RSS, Defends Sangh’s ‘History’ Amid Congress Ban Talk

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