Chief minister Narendra Modi's refusal to wear a skullcap has found him amidst political controversy. Saiyad Imam Shahi Saiyad has allegedly said that Modi's refusal to wear Muslim's skullcap is an insult to the Islam religion. The issue could prove to be a shot in arm for the Congress to criticise Modi and his 'Sadbhavna Mission'.

Sufi saint Imam Shahi Saiyad had offered Modi a Muslim skullcap during his visit on Sunday. However, the CM refused wearing the cap tactfully and instead accepted the shawl. "I did not go there as a member of the BJP or the Congress but as a religious leader. His refusal to wear skullcap is not an insult to me but to the religion Islam," he said.

The opposition party is considering Modi's refusal as a trait of pseudo secularism, whereas the BJP has termed it as Congress's conspiracy. Arjun Modhwadia, president of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, said it shows the true face of chief minister and his party (BJP).

State BJP spokesperson Vijay Rupani asked if wearing a Muslim skullcap was the only way to show sadbhavna. "BJP doesn't believe in accepting religion in its real existence. To believe in sadbhavna, a Hindu doesn't need to wear a Christian's khes (scarf) nor does he need to wear a Muslim skullcap. Same holds true for a Muslim or a Christian as a Muslim or a Christian doesn't need to wear a janoi (sacred thread)," said Rupani, adding that there is no need for any controversy at this time.

It is believed that the BJP shot SMSes justifying his refusal. "A Hindu need not wear topi (cap) to show his secularity, neither does a Muslim need to visit temple for the same," read the text of the message.

The SMS also read that the BJP does not believe in Muslim appeasement.