Modi clarifies on not wearing skull cap, puppy remark

BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has clarified on his ''puppy'' remark, saying his comment had been wrongly interpreted, and also defended his decision of declining to wear a skull cap.

Appearing on India TV’s show, “Aap Ki Adalat”, an affable Modi said that he would not wear a skull cap in order to imitate other politicians in appeasing the Muslims and “hoodwinking” them. He said he rather believed in educating Muslims, that they should hold the Quran in one hand and a computer in the other.

The Gujarat chief minister also sought to dispel the impression that he had become the hub of the party and that other senior leaders were being relegated to the background, saying the BJP worked as a  team. Defending his decision not to wear the skull cap, Modi said that he respected his own traditions as well that of others.

“They (other politicians) can do anything for appeasement. I believe in respecting traditions of all religions. But at the same time, I have to respect my own tradition as well although I respect all traditions. I can’t hoodwink people by wearing such skull caps. But I believe in taking action against those who show disrespect to others,” said  Modi. On his controversial answer in an interview with a foreign media person in context of killing of Muslims in Gujarat riots that “It pains even when a puppy comes under my car”, Modi said: “In our country we say it pains even if an ant dies. These are proverbs. This should not be interpreted otherwise.

“And you should know that the person who had taken my interview, despite being a foreigner, had tweeted that I did not mean anything like that. But the news traders, and I am not talking about media, used this to sell their stuff.”

Dismissing the suggestion as “not true” that BJP was getting centred around him, Modi said: “BJP is a huge organisation. It works in that structure. There is a galaxy of leaders who are equally competent. During elections we have to set a goal and prioritise issues. Even for this there is a committee of which Modi is not a part.