Bangalore:
A fancy set of wheels has seemingly become the biggest status symbol, perhaps even for our politicians - yesterday reports emerged of the Karnataka government spending Rs 5 crore on SUVs for state ministers. However, YSV Datta, a legislator from Janata Dal (Secular), comes as a refreshing change.
Mr Datta doesn't move around in a luxury car, he travels in his own humble auto-rickshaw.
"Actually I have come from a rural background. I have come from a very middle class farmer's family and since then till today I am leading a simple life. I am accustomed to a simple life and therefore I am happy with what necessaries and I cannot aspire for any luxury or more than comfort," Mr Datta tells NDTV.
"If I change my lifestyle, that means death of principles in which I believe," he says.
Mr Datta's auto is driven by Muniyappa, who has been the politician's driver for 14 years.
Parked in the Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore, Mr Datta's yellow and green auto stands out in the middle of luxury cars with red beacons.