On August 26, 2025, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress President DK Shivakumar apologized for referencing the RSS song “Namaste Sada Vatsale” during a Vidhan Sabha session, which sparked criticism from Congress leaders, including BK Hariprasad. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Congress, clarified his remarks were to counter opposition leader R. Ashoka, and expressed respect for all religions while emphasizing his commitment to humanism.