Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari seen gifting Narendra Modi a necklace
On the day when
Narendra Modi was declared the BJP's choice for prime minister, his party's former president, Nitin Gadkari, allegedly gifted him a diamond and pearl necklace.
That's what Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party claims; it would also like to know the price tag.
"When Modi was anointed BJP's PM nominee, party leaders garlanded him.The same day, Gadkari presented him with a diamond and pearl necklace. For some time, Modi wore it. Later, he removed it and handed it over to his private secretary or bodyguard," said Nawab Malik, a senior leader of Mr Pawar's party.
"We also want to know what is the value of the necklace. Is it Rs 50 crore, or Rs 5 crore or Rs 50 lakh or Rs 5. The people are eager to know its cost," he said.
On September 13, the BJP declared in Delhi that Mr Modi, the 64-year-old chief minister of Gujarat, is its prime ministerial candidate. The announcement followed a meeting of top party leaders including Mr Gadkari. However, the BJP's most senior leader, LK Advani, skipped the session as the climax of his revolt against the party's choice for prime minister. He has since publicly praised Mr Modi, signalling a reconciliation with the decision.