MODI S SWANKY SUIT UP FOR SALE

NEW DELHI – Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is to auction a controversial suit that bears his name in gold pinstripes, which he wore at a meeting with US president Barack Obama.

The garish outfit led to attacks he was out of touch in a nation where many live in extreme poverty.

It will be auctioned in the state of Gujarat to raise money for a project he is championing to clean the Ganges River. The auction, which starts on Wednesday, will last three days. “People are generous in this area and we hope that it will raise a lot of money for a good cause,” said Milind Torawane, the municipal commissioner of Surat, a port city home to India ’ s diamond industry, where the auction is being held.

Modi ’ s choice of the navy suit, which was embroidered repeatedly with his name, damaged the image of a man who in last year ’ s election had played up his humble beginnings as a tea seller and his personal sacrifices for India ’ s advancement.

Political rivals said it had cost 1 million rupees (R187 000) and Modi should instead concentrate on delivering on his promises to India ’ s poorest.

About a third of the world ’ s extreme poor live in India, up from a fifth in 1981, the World Bank says.

The country lags on other social indicators such as child malnutrition.

The government wants to raise at least 3 million rupees from the sale. – Reuters