Lucknow: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared to match Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's predilection for changing his clothes during their four-hour stay in Varanasi when the Japanese premier changed his attire no less than four times. In contrast, Modi changed his sleeveless jacket only twice.

Abe arrived in a formal suit on Saturday morning.He then changed into a black shirt and khaki-gold jacket for the Ganga aarti and then changed again for the PM's official banquet into a white shirt and khaki jacket.

Then Abe changed a fourth time, right before his departure from Varanasi.While Modi, despite playing host to Abe, left Nadesar Palace hotel first, Abe followed some time later, once again after changing into a formal jacket suit.

Modi's penchant for smart clothes remains in place notwithstanding the controversy surrounding his monogrammed suit during President Barack Obama's India visit earlier this year. His suit was turned into an Opposition slogan, attacking his government as “suit-boot ki sarkar“ ­ a phrase meant to signify that he is pro-big business and hence anti-poor.

Whether during state visits or public appearances within the country, Modi's clothing and its colour coordination with his host guest has kept public interest in his dressing from flagging.

