Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday strongly reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Gandhi family and the Congress party, amid criticism over his recent recital of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem in the Assembly.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar clarified that his actions were not intended to praise the RSS, but were part of a political strategy targeting Opposition leader R Ashoka. “Today I’m standing before you because a few days back, in reference to a discussion on the IPL match issue to pull the Opposition leader Ashoka, I just sang three sentences of their prayer. My intention was not to praise them,” he said.

He also highlighted his political and academic background, noting that he completed a degree in political science at the age of 47 before becoming an MLA and had studied the histories of Congress, the Gandhi family, RSS, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular), the communists, and other parties. He argued that his words were being “misused” for political gain. “I just commented and tried to pull them (Opposition). Some of my friends are taking a political leap out of it and trying to use it, misuse it, and create confusion among the public,” he said.

Reiterating his allegiance, Shivakumar declared, “The Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I am a born congressman. I will die as a congressman. Devotee and God. Gandhi family is my God and I am a devotee.” He emphasized that none of his statements were made under pressure from the party high command. “If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them. I feel I would like to seek an apology to all of them, but not because of political pressure,” he added, noting that comments from some party colleagues on the matter were “not liked” by him.