Modi's special suit may be auctioned

The controversial pinstripe bandhgala suit Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore during his talks with US President Barack Obama in Hyderabad House here may be up for auction.

The buzz in Modi’s close circles is that the suit which apparently cost Rs 10 lakh may be put up for auction as it could be the best way to deflect criticism.

The suit with Modi’s name embroidered all over it had triggered a debate in social media and later attracted criticism from political circles. The suit is also being blamed for the BJP’s drubbing in the Delhi Assembly elections.

The proceeds from such an auction could go for the prime minister’s pet campaigns on social issues or be gifted to an NGO in Varanasi.

Sources said the proceeds could go to the twin programmes of “Beti bachao, beti padhao” and “Sukanya Samriddhi account,” which Modi launched last month to encourage education of girl child and tackle the abysmally low sex ratio of 918 girls for 1,000 boys. However, this will not be the first time when Modi would donate his personal gifts for a noble cause.

During his stint as chief minister of Gujarat, he had donated over Rs 19 crore to the government treasury raised through auction of over 18,000 gifts. The money was later earmarked for education of girls in his home state.