I bid for Gandhi's items independently: Mallya

While the UPA government is proudly claiming to take the credit of bringing Gandhi’s personal belongings back to India from a controversial auction in US, industrialist Vijay Mallya who bought those memorabilia said that he acted on his own.

Contrary to Union Cultural Minister Ambika Soni’s claim, Mallya said: "I bid independently. I wanted to get back the items to the country. I am not sure if anyone was aware that I was bidding."

Earlier on Friday, Soni had claimed that the Indian government was in constant touch with Vijay Mallya throughout the auction. And it was a part of government’s various options in procuring Gandhiji’s items.

Mallya, however, refused the government's claim, and said he acted on his own to get back Gandhi's belongings and no body got in touch with him before or after the auction.

The Liquor baron beat bidders from all over the world and bought Mahatma Gandhi's five personal objects, including the iconic round eyeglasses, for 1.8 million dollars on Friday in a New York auction.

Vijay Mallya, who had the credit of bringing back Tipu Sultan's sword from England for Rs 1.5 crore in September 2003, said he would donate the priceless belongings to the government as they are a part of Indian heritage.

After Mallya’s statement, it would be interesting to see government’s reaction.

Meanwhile, the US auction house will keep those priceless memorabilia until the US Justice Department takes a decision on a Delhi High Court order to stay the bidding. If any positive development comes India’s way then Mallya doesn’t have to pay for the same and the country will get back its national treasure at no cost.