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CONGRESS -
We procured Gandhi Items Through Mallya: Govt [Ambika Soni]
I BID MY OWN ................................ : [VIJAY MALLYS]
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BANGALORE: 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.
Excerpts from the interview:
How do you feel about winning the Gandhi items at the auction?
I did what I felt I had to.
What made you want to do this?
This is nothing new for me. I had earlier bought the sword of Tipu Sultan. I always believed that items of great heritage value should be owned by India and restored to India. I have already committed to gifting Mahatma Gandhi's items to the government. Hopefully, without having to pay import duty.
Why didn't you announce earlier that you would be in the fray?
I was testing my internal system. Everything about me and my group these days leaks and I have become the favourite whipping boy for the Indian media. I wanted to see if we could keep this a secret and it worked. It looks like I have now learnt the art.
What was your first reaction when you heard you had the winning bid?
I was completely in the loop. Tony Bedi was on the floor and I 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.
Did you know that Dilip Doshi (the former Indian spinner) was bidding against you?
No, I did not know that. He is a good friend of mine. He called me after the auction and congratulated me. The auctioneer had said there were over 30 registered bidders. I couldn't second guess them all.
Has the Indian government been in touch with you, either before or after the auction?
No. Neither before or after.
Are you waiting to hear from them?
No, why should I? As soon as I get delivery, I will take it to Delhi and present it to the government.
Is the legal position over the Gandhi items clear given there was an injunction against the auction?
I spoke to the auctioneer about it. The injunction was against conducting it. The auction went on regardless. Now that it is over and I have bought the items, I would now say the injunction has lost its relevance.
What's the status with Tipu's sword and other items that you bought?
All Tipu items, including the sword, are in San Francisco. I would love to bring them back to India. I would love to have a Tipu Sultan museum, either in Mysore or Bangalore. I can't bring them now as they will levy duty on that.
If the government reconsiders the position and allows duty-free import, I 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.
Are you interested in buying or bringing back more India related memorabilia?
I will decide as and when they become available. I can't make a blanket statement.
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