NEW DELHI: The Congress has asked PM Narendra Modi to explain if it was ethical to accept gifts as head of government for personal use, accusing him of "dhanpati" connection.

Responding to the news of the PM putting on auction the gifts he received including the now-famous pinstriped suit, AICC spokesman Randeep Surjewala said, "The PM must answer the ethical question of accepting gifts and not depositing its proceeds with the exchequer."

Surjewala said, "The wisdom in hindsight of auctioning the Rs 10 lakh one-time wearable suit is circus of the absurd. It will neither absolve nor mitigate the 'dhanpati' connections of Modi."

Congress is of the view that the key issue with the gifts, especially the suit, is that when accepted as head of state or country, they are to be deposited with the exchequer, which the prime minister has not done.He is also not at liberty to accept gifts in personal capacity. Party leaders said they would ask the pm to clarify on this issue.