Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday firmly denied rumours of joining hands with the BJP and RSS, reaffirming his loyalty to the Congress party.

The incident sparked a political storm, with BJP leaders mocking Congress's past criticism of the RSS. Shivakumar clarified that singing the anthem was part of his research on political outfits, including the RSS, BJP, and JDS.

This comes after he sang the RSS anthem "Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome" in the Karnataka Assembly, which has triggered discussion on his joining the BJP.