BJP says D.K. Shivakumar should have quit Congress instead of apologising

Ridiculing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for apologising over his singing of a stanza from the RSS anthem in the Legislative Assembly, the Opposition BJP has maintained that he should have either desisted from apologising, or tendered resignation to the primary membership of Congress if he had any self respect and courage.

Taking a dig at Mr. Shivakumar as well as the Congress over the episode of apology, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok took to social media to say that the meaning of the first stanza of RSS anthem sung by the Deputy Chief Minister in the Assembly meant offering salutations to Mother India for nurturing everyone with affection. “Is it wrong to offer respects and salutations to Mother India for her providing shelter and affection?” he wondered.

Alleging that the Congress defends the action of shouting pro-Pakistan slogans in the corridors of Vidhana Soudha, but looks at those offering salutation to Mother India as criminals, he wondered if such a behaviour did not reflect anti-national mindset.

Mr. Ashok urged Mr. Shivakumar to disclose as to who directed him to tender an apology. “The Deputy CM should specify whether the apology was tendered at the behest of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Surjewala or Hariprasad,” he said.

Accusing Mr. Shivakumar of shelving patriotism due to the lust for power, he said it was the tragedy for the State that such a person was trying to become Chief Minister.

BJP leader V. Sunil Kumar too took a dig at Mr. Shivakumar by asking him to be loyal to the country and not to the Gandhi family. “RSS prayer is all about patriotism. You forgetting patriotism just to prove your loyalty to the Gandhi family is a tragedy,” Mr. Sunil Kumar said.