Bengaluru: Former BJP MLA from Vijayapura, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, has made explosive allegations that Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar attempted a secret pact with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These allegations have sparked significant political debate in the state, further intensifying the controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s recitation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem, Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume, in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.read also: BJP's Dharmasthala Chalo: A New Initiative for Religion and Social Support!
DK Shivakumar’s Alleged BJP Connection
Speaking in Kalaburagi on August 31, 2025, Yatnal alleged that Shivakumar met BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra in Delhi to discuss a potential power-sharing arrangement, including the allocation of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister posts if Shivakumar joined the BJP with 60-70 Congress MLAs. However, Yatnal claimed that the BJP high command abandoned the plan after determining that Shivakumar lacked sufficient support, with only 12-13 MLAs backing him, while the majority remained loyal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Yatnal stated, “I informed BJP leaders that if Shivakumar joins the BJP, none of his followers would come along, and the leadership agreed with my assessment.”read also: Sowjanya Case: SIT Investigation in Bengaluru - Key Evidence Recorded, Eyewitness Account Emerges After 13 Years!
What Was Shivakumar’s Motive?
On August 21, 2025, during a discussion in the Legislative Assembly about the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok took a jibe at Shivakumar, referencing his past association with the RSS by mentioning that he once wore RSS “shorts.” In response, Shivakumar sang two lines of the RSS anthem, Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume. This act was criticized by the BJP as exposing internal rifts within the Congress, while Congress leaders like B.K. Hariprasad and K.N. Rajanna strongly objected, with Hariprasad stating, “It is inappropriate to sing the anthem of an organization responsible for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.”read also: Bengaluru Ranks No. 1 in Crimes Against Women: Shocking Revelations in NCRB Report
Shivakumar defended his action, saying, “I sang the anthem to tease the BJP. If anyone was hurt, I apologize. I am a born Congressman and will remain with the Congress.” However, Yatnal portrayed this incident as a signal of Shivakumar’s intent to align with the BJP.read also: Navratri Second Day: Brahmacharini Devi Puja - Procedure, Significance, and Benefits..!
Why Did the Plan Fail?
According to Yatnal, the primary reason for the failure of this alleged plan was the lack of sufficient Congress MLA support for Shivakumar. He claimed that the BJP leadership realized Shivakumar could not bring 60-70 MLAs as promised and thus dropped the proposal. Yatnal further alleged that if Shivakumar and Vijayendra formed a government together, “they would sell Karnataka.”read also: Shailputri Devi Puja on the First Day of Navratri: Procedure, Significance, and Benefits..?
Political Implications
These allegations have highlighted internal divisions within the Congress. Some Congress leaders, including Hariprasad, criticized Shivakumar’s act of singing the RSS anthem as “politically unwise.” Additionally, Shivakumar’s statement regarding Chamundi Hill—“It is not limited to Hindus alone”—drew sharp criticism from the BJP, further fueling the controversy.
Shivakumar has repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to the Congress, stating, “I am a born Congressman and will die as one. There is no plan to join the BJP or RSS.”TQH Women's Casual Printed Round Neck, Oversized Longline Drop Shoulder Boho Style T-Shirt