A bid for Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings at an auction in New York has been cancelled.
‘In the last few hours, I have decided, in the light of the controversy, not to sell Gandhi's items,’ Organiser James Otis said, adding that he had formally asked the auctioneers to return the items.
Earlier, India said it would bid for Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings at an auction in New York later today.
The iconic leader's trademark wire-rimmed glasses, a pair of worn leather sandals, a pocket watch and a metal bowl and plate were to be up for sale.
The auction plan caused an uproar in India where many view the items as part of their national heritage and want them to be kept in a museum.
Some Indians also said the sale goes against the philosophy of a man who shunned material possessions and led an ascetic life.
The auction, the largest collection of Gandhi's possessions on sale at a time, was expected to fetch around €240,000.
The Zenith pocket watch was given to Mahatma Gandhi by Indira Gandhi, who is not related to him and who went on to become India's prime minister. Mahatma Gandhi used the plate and bowl for his last meal.
Some non-resident Indians had also offered to buy back the items.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, pioneered the philosophy of non-violent resistance to British rule in India.
He was assassinated on 30 January, 1948 in New Delhi by a Hindu radical.
