Bengaluru, Sep 11 (NationPress) Following the incident where Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar performed the RSS anthem in the Karnataka Assembly, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara has attracted significant controversy by attending an event hosted by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP.

Parameshwara's presence was at an event commemorating the 500th Jayanthi of freedom fighter Rani Abbakka in Tiptur town, located in Tumakuru district, on Wednesday. The ABVP also organized a 'Rath Yatra' to honor the sacrifices made by Rani Abbakka. A circulating video captured Parameshwara paying floral homage to Rani Abbakka's statue, with an ABVP banner prominently displayed.

Addressing the ensuing controversy, Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru that he did not attend any ABVP program. "The Rani Abbakka procession was passing by as I was with local MLA K. Shadakshari. They invited me to pay my respects, and I briefly stopped my car to participate in the tribute," he explained.

He further emphasized, "I have not attended any ABVP event, and if they wish to create a controversy, let them. My ideological commitment cannot be questioned. I am a dedicated Congressman, and I will remain so till my last breath. Political adversaries are spreading misinformation against me. I have not engaged in any ABVP event."

Parameshwara remarked on the internal strife, stating, "There are many political rivals, both inside and outside the party. Some of them are pushing this narrative. The public understands these petty tactics. They are aware of my political stance over the past 35 years; I don't need to validate it further."

Previously, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar faced backlash after singing the RSS anthem in the Assembly. Following this, he issued an apology due to the uproar it caused.

This incident is likely to heighten the infighting within the Congress party in Karnataka. The internal conflict escalated after the high command dismissed senior leader K.N. Rajanna, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, from the cabinet, which was perceived as a triumph for Shivakumar's faction, as Rajanna had opposed Shivakumar and pushed for additional deputy CM positions.

Shivakumar found himself in hot water for singing the RSS anthem while attempting to provoke BJP leaders. Realizing the backlash within his party, he later issued an apology, asserting that Chamundi Hills is not solely a Hindu domain, a statement viewed as a move to mitigate damage.

With Parameshwara suspecting that party members may have been behind the controversy regarding his alleged participation in the ABVP event, this issue may lead to further conflict. As the most senior politician in the Congress party in the state, Parameshwara has been suggested as a potential Chief Minister, especially considering his Dalit background.