In Pics: Narendra Modi in Rajat Sharma's 'Aap Ki Adalat'

In a spirited defence of his decision not to wear skull cap offered by an Imam, Narendra Modi , BJP's prime ministerial candidate has clearly said that wearing skull cap has nothing to do with respect for that religion. On the contrary, politicians do this just to appease a particular community.Narendra Modi was responding to a volley of questions thrown at him by India TV Editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma in his popular show “Aap Ki Adalat”.Modi was asked by Rajat Sharma to respond to accusations made by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who had said that Modi had deliberately insulted Muslims by not wearing the skull cap offered to him by an Imam.Reacting sharply to this question, Modi said that he never saw either Gandhi, Nehru or Patel wearing such skull cap. In an aggressive yet composed response, Modi said that although he respects the traditions of others, he also has to stick to his traditions and therefore, he won't hoodwink people by wearing such skull caps.“I have never seen Gandhi, Patel or Nehru wearing such skull cap. Indian politics has deteriorated. They 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 other's caps,” said Modi.When Rajat Sharma reminded Modi that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had said that in public life, one has to wear both tilak and skull caps, Modi did not hesitate in expressing his disagreement with Nitish Kumar. Modi went on to say that Muslims children should get better children and ideally, they should have Quran in one hand and computer in the other. “If he (Nitish) thinks that it helps in taking care of sentiments then it's his thought. I believe that their children should get better education. They should have Quran in one hand and computer in the other hand, Modi said.Modi also denied that he ever termed Muslims as puppies. He expressed his disappointed with a section of media (whom he called news traders) for misinterpreting his statement.“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 am not talking about media, used this to sell their stuff,” Modi added.Modi also thanked Azam Khan for calling him a dog (the elder brother of puppies) as it was a reflection on his loyalty to the nation.“I should say- thank you very much- to him because the loyalty of dogs is unparalleled. I'm proud that somebody saw this quality in me that will benefit the country,” said Modi.Coming down heavily on the dynastic politics prevalent in Indian National Congress, Narendra Modi charged the party with having one point agenda of generating income for only one family (Read Gandhi-Nehru family).Appearing in ‘Aap Ki Adalat' show of Rajat Sharma on India TV, Modi came down heavily on the Congress party and said that people may believe that Congress is a party where there is no tussle over leadership but this is something that has led to the fall of the more than 100 years old party.He sarcastically remarked that today the entire party is busy generating income for just one family.“That is what has led to Congress' fall. Instead of improving the economy of the nation, they are busy generating income for one family,” remarked Modi.Responding to Rahul Gandhi's charge that Modi wants to become the only chowkidaar (watchman) but the nation needs of chowkidaars, Modi retorted that let Rahul explain if those who snatched homes of Kargil martyr's widows (Read Ashok Chavan) and grabbed lands in Rajasthan and Haryana (Robert Vadra) will also be part of those chowkidaars? Modi wondered whether it did not amount to handing over the responsibility of guarding the milk to cats.“It's a good thing that he listens to my speeches carefully and he knows that crores of chowkidar will serve him good. One could pose a problem. I am worried that if there are 150 crore chowkidaars then will they include Adarsh Scam culprits and those who have snatched lands of widows of Kargil martyrs? Their LS candidates who have been accused of land acquisition of the farmer of Rajasthan - will they also be chowkidaars? If this is the case then it seems that cat will be made in-charge of milk,” said Modi.Pooh-poohing Congress party's slogan of Har Haath Shakti, Har Haath tarrakki”, Modi said “They need to come up with ideas to put a lid on what they have done. Their hand that commits sin has to be portrayed in some other way. That is why, for them, it's- Har Haath Loot, Har Honth Jhooth (Every hand loots, every lip speaks a lie).When asked a question on Congress leader Anand Sharma's allegations of BJP spending Rs 10000 crore on poll related publicity, Modi reacted sharply and challenged the ruling party to get the charges investigated either by EC (Election Commission) or ED (Enforcement Directorate). He reminded Congress they are still left with around a month in office and they should get the charges probed as soon as possible.“The first thing that Anand Sharma needs to do is to write to the EC (Election Commission). Then there is a govt agency named Enforcement Directorate (ED). Since they don't do anything, I'm giving them an idea of doing some work. Let them fully investigate it. Let Anand Sharma do it as fast as possible. If there is any objection from EC, I'm willing to writing to EC to let them do it,” said Modi.