Gandhi blood auction: 'People's sentiments will not be allowed to be hurt'

Ahead of an auction of blades grass with a drop of Mahatma Gandhi's blood and soil from the place where he was assassinated in 1948 in New Delhi, Congress today expressed confidence that the government will succeed in averting a situation which could hurt people's sentiments.

"Be rest assured the government has not and will not allow any step in this direction which hurts the sentiments of the people of India because Mahatama Gandhi is not only respected in India but the world over," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.

Tushar Gandhi, the Mahatma's great-grandson, has expressed concern over the auction being planned by the British auction house Mullock's.

Mullock's, which often auctions objects related to Indian heritage, said the Gandhi memorabilia to go under the hammer is likely to get Rs85 lakh.