The day I start doing Hindu-Muslims, I won't be..: PM Modi

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday denied having talked about Muslims when he made remarks such as "infiltrators" and "those with more children" while addressing a rally in Rajasthan days ago, NDTV reported.

In an interview with News 18 he countered the criticism against his remarks saying that he had spoken about every poor family, not Muslims, , adding that he does not work for a ‘vote bank’.

PM Modi asserted that he will be "unworthy of public life,’ the day he starts doing Hindu-Muslim.

"The day I start doing Hindu-Muslims, I won't be entitled to live in the public domain. I won't do Hindu-Muslim. This is my pledge," PM Modi was quoted as saying.

Adding that he does not market love towards Muslims, he was quoted as saying: "I do not work for a vote bank. I believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

Expressing shock at the criticism, PM Modi asked how the remarks about people with more children is a reference to Muslims, adding ‘Where there is poverty, there are more children, irrespective of their social circle’.

‘I didn't mention either Hindu or Muslim. I have said that one should have as many children as you can take care of. Don't let a situation arise where the government has to take care of your children,’ the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.

Mentioning the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002, he said his image among the Muslims was tarnished by his opponents.

The Prime Minister claimed that Eid was also celebrated in his house also, adding: ‘Food was not cooked in our house on the day of Eid. Food used to come to my place from all the Muslim families. When Muharram started, we needed to come out from under the Tajiya, we were taught. I grew up in that world. Even today, many of my friends are Muslims. After 2002 (Godhra), my image was tarnished’.

When asked whether Muslims would vote for him, PM Modi said the "people of the country will vote for me."