Let Muslims carry 'Quran' in one hand and 'computer' in the other, Modi tells Rajat Sharma in 'Aap Ki Adalat'

New Delhi: 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.