Asked about the storm created over his "puppy" remarks earlier in reference to his expression of sadness over the killings of Muslims, Modi said even if an ant dies it pains.
"That does not mean I am comparing the dead to an ant. In India, there is a difference between language and expression," he said suggesting that there has been misinterpretation of remarks, which he did not intend.
Asked about his refusal to wear a skull cap during his sadhbavna fast a couple of years ago, Modi said he followed his own tradition and respected the traditions of other.
"I am against the policy of appeasement. I will never follow the symbols of appeasement. If someone plays with a Muslim's cap, I will not tolerate. There should be exemplary punishment."
To a question about his recent statements that MLAs and MPs facing cases would be put behind bars, the BJP's PM candidate said criminalisation of politics is a serious issue.
