Return my Gandhi, US collector Otis does about turn

VYING FOR MORE: Owner of Gandhi memorabilia, James Otis says he has many more items of the Mahatma in his possession.

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New Delhi: US collector who has now decided not to part with the Gandhi memorabilia he had earlier put on auction states his reasons for the retraction.

James Otis now wants Antiquorum Auctioneers, the New York auction house to return the particular items of the Mahatma that it had sold for $1.8 million in a controversial auction.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-IBN, Otis said, "I understand in India elections are approaching so they (the sale of the Gandhi memorabilia) are being used in all sorts of confusing, political ways. I don't feel Gandhiji will ever be proud of it."

Otis had placed Mahatma Gandhi's iconic round eye glasses and other personal belongings -pocket watch, sandals, eyeglasses, bowl and plate under the auctioneer's hammer,

The memorabilia had been purchased by Indian business baron Vijay Mallya, after India numerous attempts to have the auction called off failed. Mallya is widely lauded for saving national pride by bidding for the items.

As a first step, Otis can notify Antiquorum Auctioneers that the sale is null and void as conditions under which he had put the items for auction no longer exist.

"I believe it's my right as a legal owner of these items. What's going on is dividing the country," said Otis to CNN-IBN.

Otis's ratification of the sale will be vital as without it the auction house can only turn over the possession to the buyer but not the title of ownership.

Otis had withdrawn his sanction to the sale but the auction house had gone ahead.

However, the Mahatma's descendant and great grand son Tushar Gandhi has called the actions of Otis as outrageous.

Calling Otis the greatest fraud, Tushar Gandhi said that Otis must mind his own business . He also added that Otis and his professor were only seeking more money and were partners in crime.