Bengaluru: The legislative council elections Thursday saw the return of a familiar political phrase — atmasakshi or voting according to one’s conscience — as rebel BJP and JD(S) legislators sought to explain their choices.The term, often associated with political defections and rebellion, was used freely as legislators revealed attempts by rival camps to secure their support.Expelled BJP MLA Shivaram Hebbar, who aligned with Congress after the 2023 assembly elections, said BJP never approached him for support.“I waited till the last minute, but they didn’t even call,” he said, declining to reveal who he voted for. “But 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.”ST Somashekar, another rebel BJP legislator who has also moved closer to Congress, was more explicit about his choice. “Hebbar and I were hoping till last evening that BJP would request our support,” he said. “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 said that despite his friendship with JD(S) candidate Govindaraju, the latter did not contact him.Meanwhile, JD(S) rebel GT Devegowda, dismissed allegations of cross-voting. “I was not keeping well, so I came early to vote,” he said. “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 Basanagouda Patil Yatnal publicly declared support for the BJP candidate and said he wanted to put speculation to rest. “I announced my support to BJP to avoid speculation that I took money from Congress,” he said.Yatnal said 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.
