As uncertainty continued on India getting back Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings which are up for auction in New York, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has stepped in directing that all possible steps, which may include entering into the bidding process, should be taken to procure the memorabilia.
"Prime Minister has directed me to do whatever possible....the bottomline is to procure the memorabilia," Culture Minister Ambika Soni told media-persons as the government made last ditch efforts to stop the auction of Gandhi's
personal belongings.
"We will enter the auction if required as a last resort" to bring back the items to the country, she said. The personal belongings include Gandhi's metal-rimmed glasses, pocket watch, a pair of sandals and a plate and bowl. Her remarks came close on the heels of Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma rejecting conditions set by James Otis, the American auctioneer, for stopping the auction. Otis wanted the Indian government to shift priorities from military spending to health care, especially for the poor.