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Congress Gave India Flag, Anthem, Constitution: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar asserted that his party gave India its national flag, national anthem, Constitution, and Independence. He stated that Congress respects 'Vande Mataram' and sings it at the start of its programs, while also highlighting the inclusive state anthem introduced under S.M. Krishna. Shivakumar gave cryptic, non-committal answers regarding potential leadership changes and meetings with senior party figures. He emphasized that the Congress party represents a "garden of peace for all communities."

Key Points: DK Shivakumar: Congress Gave India Flag, Anthem, Constitution

  • Congress foundational role
  • 'Vande Mataram' respect
  • Karnataka's state anthem
  • Response to BJP
  • Cryptic on leadership
2 min read

Congress gave the nation Flag, Anthem and Constitution: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar asserts Congress gave India its national flag, anthem, Constitution, and Independence, responding to 'Vande Mataram' debate.

"It is our party that gave this country the national flag, the national anthem, the Constitution and Independence. - DK Shivakumar"

New Delhi, Feb 11

Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar said on Wednesday that "our party" laid the foundation for 'Vande Mataram', adding "it is our party that gave this country the national flag, the national anthem, the Constitution and Independence. It is our party that has served this nation".

"Now the BJP and others are following us. That itself gives us happiness," he said while responding to questions from the media at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi.

When asked about the demand that 'Vande Mataram' be accorded the same respect as the national anthem and be made mandatory, he said: "We sing 'Vande Mataram' at every stage while beginning our programmes. We give respect to 'Vande Mataram' and we follow it."

Referring to past decisions, he said: "When late S.M. Krishna was the Chief Minister, we made Kuvempu's 'Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate' compulsory as the state anthem. It contains the line 'Sarvajanangada Shantiya Thota' (garden of peace for all communities). Ours is a garden of peace for all communities. It mentions what is to be said and which religions are to be referred to. Hindus, Christians and Muslims are all mentioned in the song itself. We are the ones who have grown up on such soil."

When asked whether this would result in two national anthems, he replied: "We will speak about that later."

When asked about his brother, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh's statement that though there may be some delay, Siddaramaiah would keep his word, Shivakumar said: "I have said that time will give the answer. I have also said that only we know what we have spoken about."

When asked when that time would come, he replied cryptically: "I will tell you at the appropriate time."

On being asked whether he had met Priyanka Gandhi, he said: "I just visited the Congress office. I am currently busy with the Assam election work. Why discuss different issues in different ways? I will speak about this later. Time will give the answer."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the historical contribution is undeniable, it feels like such statements are made more for political one-upmanship than genuine respect. Governance today should be about delivering on current promises, not just resting on past laurels.
V
Vikram M
True, but the party also needs to look forward. The "garden of peace for all communities" he mentions from the state anthem is a beautiful ideal. We need actions that nurture that garden today, not just words recalling past plantings.
P
Priya S
As a Kannadiga, I appreciate him mentioning Kuvempu's 'Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate'. It's a powerful state anthem that truly embodies inclusivity. Making it compulsory in schools was a good move. More states should celebrate their local poets and unifying messages.
R
Rohit P
"Time will give the answer" – he said this multiple times! 😅 Typical political sidestepping. People want clear answers on leadership and promises, not cryptic messages. The focus should be on Assam and other state elections with a clear vision.
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Nikhil C
Respect for Vande Mataram is universal across parties now, and that's a good thing. It's a song that stirs the soul. The debate shouldn't be about who gave it, but about ensuring every Indian feels the pride and unity it represents.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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