AUCTION OF GANDHIJI'S ITEMS

In 2003, as a 'proud Kannadiga', Vijay Mallya, chairman, UB Group, brought back to Karnataka Tipu Sultan's sword from England for Rs 1.5 crore. Two years later, he put down a million pounds at a Sotheby's auction in London to purchase some more Tipu items, like a silver-mounted flintlock sporting gun.

Circa 2009, as a 'proud Indian', he bought Mahatma Gandhi's metal-rimmed glasses, sandals, pocket watch, bowl and plate for $1.8 million in a controversial New York auction. Speaking to TOI on his stunning coup, Mallya talked of his interest in bringing back items that are part of India's heritage. Incidentally, Mallya acted alone.

The government, which is taking credit for the return of the Gandhi items to India, didn't contact him either before or after the auction.

He did what he felt he had to. This was nothing new for him. He had earlier bought the sword of Tipu Sultan.

He always believed that items of great heritage value should be owned by India and restored to India. He have already committed to gifting Mahatma Gandhi's items to the government. Hopefully, without having to pay import duty. He didn't announce earlier that he would be in the fray? was testing his internal system. Everything about him and his group these days leaks and have become the favourite whipping boy for the Indian media.

He wanted to see if we could keep this a secret and it worked. It looks like he have now learnt the art. His first reaction when you heard you had the winning bid? was completely in the loop. Tony Bedi was on the floor and he was on the phone with him. Frankly, the price was going up so steeply, I was rather relieved when it got over.

The guideline price was just $20000-30000 and it was rising so fast. But, let me tell you, there is no right price for Gandhi's items which are part of our national heritage. These are items of emotional value. One can't put a price to it.

Even Dilip Doshi (the former Indian spinner) was bidding against him he did not knew that but received a called from him after the auction and congratulated.

The auctioneer had said there were over 30 registered bidders. couldn't second guess them all. The Indian government had not been in touch with him, either before or after the auction? As soon as he gets delivery, he will take it to Delhi and present it to the government.

The injunction was against conducting it. The auction went on regardless. Now that it is over and he have bought the items, would now say the injunction has lost its relevance.

All Tipu items, including the sword, are in San Francisco would love to bring them back to India to have a Tipu Sultan museum, either in Mysore or Bangalore can't bring them now as they will levy duty on that. If the government reconsiders the position and allows duty-free import, would love to bring them back and put it for public display. After all, they are a part and parcel of India's heritage. They are now in packed wooden crates in my custody in San Francisco. It makes no sense.