Bengaluru witnessed the revival of a familiar political phrase—atmasakshi, or voting according to one’s conscience—during Thursday’s legislative council elections. Rebel legislators from the BJP and JD(S) invoked the term to justify their choices amid intense political maneuvering.
Rebel BJP MLAs Align with Congress
Expelled BJP MLA Shivaram Hebbar, who sided with Congress after the 2023 assembly elections, stated that the BJP never sought his support. “I waited till the last minute, but they didn’t even call,” he said, declining to reveal his vote. He added, “Both Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah contacted me and sought my support, so I voted as per my conscience. Perhaps, BJP wants JD(S) to lose.”
Another rebel BJP legislator, ST Somashekar, who has also moved closer to Congress, was more explicit. “Hebbar and I were hoping till last evening that BJP would request our support,” he noted. “However, the CM called us and sought our votes. We assured support provided they ensure adequate funds for development work in our constituencies. So, I went with my conscience and voted for Congress.” Somashekar mentioned that despite his friendship with JD(S) candidate Govindaraju, the latter did not contact him.
JD(S) Rebel Denies Cross-Voting
JD(S) rebel GT Devegowda dismissed allegations of cross-voting. “I was not keeping well, so I came early to vote,” he explained. “HD Kumaraswamy knows how to ensure the victory of the JD(S) candidate. He will do what is necessary. I voted according to my conscience. I voted for the party candidate, and if anyone has doubts, let him/her prove that I cross-voted.”
Expelled BJP MLA Supports Party Candidate
Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal publicly declared support for the BJP candidate, aiming to quell speculation. “I announced my support to BJP to avoid speculation that I took money from Congress,” he stated. Yatnal revealed that opposition leader R Ashoka and former deputy CM CN Ashwath Narayan had contacted him on instructions from the party high command. “The 49 BJP MLAs also called and met me seeking support from a Hindutvavadi against nepotism and corruption. So, I followed my conscience and voted for BJP,” he said, displaying a letter addressed to BJP national president Nitin Nabin conveying his support for the party candidate.
