Surat diamond baron takes out procession of PM Narendra Modi's suit

SURAT: Diamond merchant Lalji Patel, who bought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pinstripe monogrammed suit at Rs 4.31 crore in a high-profile auction, today took out a procession of the two-piece ensemble which was put on a mannequin resembling Modi.

Patel got possession of the navy-blue suit today after he submitted a cheque of Rs 4.31 crore in the office of the District Collector.

The mannequin was then put in an open vehicle, led by two- wheelers with many vehicles trailing it, which travelled from the venue of the auction at Science Convention Centre to Patel's office in Katargam area of the city.

People lined up on both sides of the route to catch a glimpse of the bandhgala suit which has Narendra Damodardas Modi embroidered on the fabric to look like golden stripes.

The suit was worn by Modi during the summit meeting with US President Barack Obama in New Delhi on January 25.

It was later kept in the reception area of Patel's office. Patel had said he wanted to do something for the country and the auction gave him a chance for the same.

"I always wanted to do something in the interest of country. This event gave me a chance to do something in the interest of the nation. I never thought this incredible suit will come to me," he said yesterday.

Patel said he made the bid with the intention that the proceeds will go towards ' Clean Ganga Mission'.

The purpose behind holding the auction was to generate funds for Modi's pet mission and various gift items he had received since his assuming the office as PM were on the display during the three-day event.

The suit, said to be worth around Rs 10 lakh, had kicked up a political storm with the Opposition, particularly the Congress taking on Modi during the campaign for Delhi Assembly polls.