Meet the politician with a conscience!

How many times have we read reports about our esteemed political leaders indulging in massive corruption, misusing their powers as legislators, tweaking the system for their own benefit, refusing to vacate their official bungalows or give up their security entourage?

Well, here is a politician with a difference, one with a conscience.

N Jothi actually refuses to accept the benefits offered to him by the government on ethical grounds.

Jothi, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, has decided to reject the benefits he gets as a former member of Rajya Sabha. These include a monthly pension of Rs 20,000, free medical treatment and a free rail pass.  

Jothi, who became a member of the Upper House after being nominated by his party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, has of late shifted his loyalties to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

"I rejected (the benefits) because I shifted my political loyalty to (DMK president) Karunanidhi. This pension is given to me for my stint as a RS member for six years, when I was in the AIADMK. I have resigned from the AIADMK, so why should I accept the pension? My self-respect and conscience don't permit me to accept these benefits," he told Rediff.com

Jothi's decision has put the Rajya Sabha in a tight spot. Six reminders, which were sent to Jothi to sign an application form to receive his pension, have been all rejected.

Jothi told Rediff.com, "Let me be the first MP in India to reject such pecuniary benefits like pension, medical assistance and free rail travel".