“2002 Godhra Tragedy Was of Unimaginable Magnitude”: PM Modi on Gujarat Riots

New Delhi- In a candid interview with US computer scientist and podcast host Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the 2002 Sabarmati Express attack in Gujarat’s Godhra as a “tragedy of unimaginable magnitude,” while emphasizing that the riots that followed were “tragic for everyone.”

Addressing questions about the riots and the lessons learned, PM Modi pointed out that Gujarat had witnessed over 250 riots before 2002, with communal violence being a frequent occurrence in the state. He highlighted that since 2002, Gujarat has not seen a single communal riot, attributing this to a shift from the politics of appeasement to the politics of development under his leadership.

PM Modi rejected claims that the 2002 riots were the worst in Gujarat’s history, calling it a “fake narrative.” He contextualized the violence against a backdrop of global and national events, such as the Kandahar hijacking, the 9/11 attacks, and assaults on the J&K Assembly and Indian Parliament, which had heightened tensions at the time.

Reflecting on his early days as Chief Minister, Modi recounted taking office amid the aftermath of the devastating Bhuj earthquake. He described being thrust into governance without prior administrative experience and facing his first legislative session just days before the Godhra incident unfolded.

“The judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally, they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analyzed the situation meticulously, twice, and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts,” he asserted.

PM Modi underscored that Gujarat has witnessed peace and communal harmony in the decades since, crediting his government’s focus on inclusive development. “With the policy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,’ the politics of appeasement has transformed into the politics of development,” he concluded.