People don't vote me to power to take revenge: Modi

In course of an interview with news agency ANI, Narendra Modi asserted that he had answered all relevant questions around the Gujarat riots and there is nothing left to be explained and clarified anymore. He added that since he has been given a clean chit by the courts he doesn’t have anything left to say. “One should compile what all I have said about the riots from the evening of February 27, 2002. There is no journalist whose questions I did not answer. What I had to say I have said. The court has given its verdict,” said BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. [caption id=“attachment_1483369” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Narendra Modi in this file photo. AFP[/caption] However, he agreed that he was accountable for the riots. “I am accountable. The people have a right to know. I’m committed to democracy,” said Modi. “If I had lost the 2002 polls no one would have asked questions on apology over the riots. If there is an ounce of truth in allegations against me then I should be hanged in public,” said Modi. Of late, Modi has come under fire for sporting the head gear of various Indian cultural groups and yet refusing to sport a skull cap. “I follow my own culture and respect others’ cultures. Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel never had to wear a skull cap. I am against appeasement politics. I won’t follow appeasement symbol. Has Sonia Gandhi ever worn a skull cap?,” he questioned. Speaking on the controversy over his puppy remark he said, “The remark was misconstrued and blown out of proportions. Newstraders created the controversy over my puppy remarks.” Questioned about the money being spent on his campaigns and criticism by the Congress over the issue, he said, “Why doesn’t the Congress launch a probe against me if they think I am using black money. The Delhi government has thousands of complaints against me, but no basis to take action,” said Modi. Modi said it that it wasn’t just marketing that was making him popular. “What is wrong if I am marketing myself? But I have done work. If I just do marketing people won’t believe me,” he said. There have also been speculations that if Modi comes to power he would be vindictive towards his critics. “I don’t do anything in a vindictive manner. Look at my 14 year track record in Gujarat. People don’t vote me to power to take revenge.” Meanwhile, he outlined how he would like to cleanse politics. “Criminalisation of politics in our country is a matter of concern. I have decided to ask SC to make special court for MPs and MLAs with cases against them and deliver judgement in 1 year. Those who are guilty will be removed. I want Indian institutions of have more credibility.” During the course of campaigning, the Congress and Modi have exchanged many barbs. But he says he doesn’t believe in untouchability in politics. “Politically Sharad Pawar and I trade sharp criticism, but personally both of us have good relations. It is the same with Jayalalithaa. I also have respect for the stalwarts in the Congress. Personal friendship within people of different parties despite competition is the beauty of democracy.”