RS: But one such leader, Murli Manohar Joshi, wanted a ticket from Varansi but you went there.
Modi: I was given that offer. And he is fighting from Kanpur. I believe he is going to win with largest number of votes this time.
Audience: Sir your clothes are very stylish, who is your designer?
Modi: I left my house when I was very young. I could fit all my belongings in a small bundle. I kept wandering for 40 - 45 years and I spent over 40 years begging for food. I had to wash my own clothes. So I thought my shirt occupied too much effort in washing and space too. I cut the sleeves myself. So my shirt became half sleeved. I have been wearing such clothes for over 25 years. Yes, I like to dress up well and stay clean. God has gifted me the sense of mixing and matching colors. So I manage everything on my own. Since I'm God gifted I fit well in everything. I have no fashion designer but I'm happy to hear that I dress well.
RS: You are secretive about your personal life. Only recently we got to know that you used to sell tea at the Railway stations.
Modi: It is true that I don't talk much about my personal life. People of Gujarat know a lot. But Media today is so vibrant that even if something falls off from the pocket they come to know. Then one day I'd come to Delhi and some Congressmen went about saying silly things about me, they even abused me. They said that Modi was an American agent and what not. I was hurt. I had my rally in Rohini (Delhi). I said, do you even know me? I have spent my childhood selling tea at railway stations and you are throwing such allegations on me? That's how you all got to know about me. Other than that, so many things keep happening; I can't go around telling everything.
RS: You were so naughty that when you were a child you used to catch crocodile babies from the lake and take them home.
Modi: I was brave, not naughty. There was a pond in my village and I loved to swim in that pond. I even had to wash my clothes there. So one day I picked up a crocodile baby and took it home. Later on I even took it to school and my teachers were very upset.
RS: You left your home when you were very young and went up to the Himalayas.
Modi: Yes I've left my home on several occasions. I wanted to lead a spiritual life. Like I said I spent some years begging for food for sustenance. Even now I desire that. I was greatly influenced by Swami Vivekananda. I visited Ramakrishna Mission and several other places. I
recently visited Swami Atmaghanananda. That was another world which I have loved.
