BJP MP Narayansa Bhandage Ties Saffron ‘RSS Rakhi’ on DK Shivakumar in Bagalkote

Political Surprise in Bagalkote: BJP MP Narayansa Bhandage Ties Saffron 'RSS Rakhi' on Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

BAGALKOTE: In an unexpected cross-party gesture that has raised eyebrows in political circles, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Narayansa Bhandage tied a saffron thread—traditionally worn by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers—on the wrist of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bagalkote on Friday.

The incident occurred at the Navanagar District Administrative Center following an official review meeting convened by the Deputy Chief Minister to assess the drought situation across Bagalkote district.

Immediately after the official proceedings concluded, MP Narayansa Bhandage approached DK Shivakumar and offered to tie the sacred thread as a gesture of brotherhood. He then tied the saffron sacred thread onto the Deputy Chief Minister’s wrist in full view of present officials and political representatives.

Political Significance

This surprise gesture comes at a time when friction between Congress leaders and the RSS remains high across the state. With Congress stalwarts frequently attacking the ideological outfit, the public exchange of brotherhood between a senior BJP lawmaker and the state's Congress chief has immediately drawn intense interest across political corridors.

Neither leader has issued an official political statement following the gesture, though local observers view it as a rare moment of personal rapport amidst intense party rivalry.