Sun. Sep 7th, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, Congress leader Priyank Kharge has come out in defense of his colleague, D.K. Shivakumar, who recently sparked controversy by singing the RSS anthem. Kharge’s defense is rooted in the idea that one must keep their friends close, but their enemies closer, in order to truly understand their motivations and tactics. This approach, Kharge argues, is essential in today’s political landscape, where alliances and rivalries are constantly shifting. By singing the RSS anthem, Shivakumar was simply attempting to understand the ideology and values of the organization, Kharge claims. This move has been met with criticism from some, who view it as a betrayal of the Congress party’s values. However, Kharge sees it as a necessary step in building bridges and fostering greater understanding between different political groups. The RSS, or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization that has been accused of promoting intolerance and extremism. Despite this, Kharge believes that engaging with the RSS and its ideology is crucial in order to combat its influence and promote a more inclusive and secular vision for India. Shivakumar’s actions, Kharge argues, were not meant to endorse or promote the RSS’s ideology, but rather to understand its appeal and weaknesses. This approach, Kharge claims, is in line with the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, who believed in engaging with one’s opponents and seeking common ground. The controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s actions has sparked a wider debate about the role of the RSS in Indian politics and the need for greater dialogue and understanding between different political groups. While some have criticized Shivakumar’s actions as a form of appeasement, others see it as a necessary step in building a more inclusive and secular India. Kharge’s defense of Shivakumar reflects the complexities and challenges of Indian politics, where different ideologies and interests are constantly intersecting and conflicting. The Congress party, which has long been seen as a secular and inclusive force in Indian politics, is facing increasing pressure to adapt to a changing political landscape. The rise of the BJP and the RSS has created new challenges for the Congress party, which must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries in order to remain relevant. In this context, Kharge’s defense of Shivakumar reflects a broader strategy of engagement and outreach, aimed at building bridges with different political groups and promoting a more inclusive and secular vision for India. The controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s actions has also sparked a wider debate about the role of ideology and values in Indian politics. While some have criticized the RSS’s ideology as intolerant and extremist, others see it as a necessary response to the challenges facing India. The Congress party, which has long been committed to secular and inclusive values, must navigate this complex debate in order to remain relevant and effective. Kharge’s defense of Shivakumar reflects the complexities and challenges of this debate, and the need for greater dialogue and understanding between different political groups. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s actions reflects the deeper challenges and complexities of Indian politics, where different ideologies and interests are constantly intersecting and conflicting. As the country continues to evolve and grow, it is likely that such controversies will continue to arise, highlighting the need for greater dialogue, understanding, and engagement between different political groups.

Source