PM Modi(Credit:X)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the 2002 Godhra train attack and the subsequent Gujarat riots in a detailed interview with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman. In the three-hour-long conversation, Modi called the Godhra attack a “tragedy of unimaginable magnitude” and said the riots that followed were deeply tragic for everyone involved.
Modi recalled that the Sabarmati Express attack occurred just three days after he was elected as a State Representative for the first time. On February 27, 2002, the Sabarmati Express was set on fire in Godhra, resulting in the death of 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya. This incident triggered large-scale communal violence across Gujarat, which became one of the most controversial episodes in India’s recent history.
Describing the volatile situation at the time, Modi pointed out that global and national security challenges had already heightened tensions. “The Kandahar hijack, the 9/11 attack in the US, and attacks on the J&K Assembly and Indian Parliament had created a tense atmosphere. In such an environment, even a small spark could ignite unrest,” he said.
Modi highlighted that Gujarat had a history of communal violence before 2002, with over 250 riots recorded. He mentioned that the 1969 Gujarat riots had lasted nearly six months and that curfews and clashes over trivial issues were common. However, he emphasized that since 2002, Gujarat has not witnessed any major communal violence. Modi credited this to his policy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” which shifted politics from appeasement to development.
Addressing the political fallout from the riots, Modi said his government faced intense scrutiny from political opponents. “Our political rivals were in power at the time and wanted to hold us accountable. However, the judiciary conducted a thorough investigation and found us innocent,” he said. Modi maintained that those responsible for the violence were held accountable by the courts.
Reflecting on his early days as Chief Minister, Modi recalled that he had no prior experience in government administration before taking office. “I had never contested an election or served in the government before. But the events of 2002 became a major turning point,” he said.
Modi underscored that the misinformation about the 2002 riots being the largest in Gujarat’s history was false. He stressed that since 2002, Gujarat has remained peaceful and focused on development. “Gujarat has transformed from a state plagued by communal violence to one known for its progress and stability,” he added.
Summing up the lessons from the 2002 events, Modi said, “Peace and development are the foundations of a strong society. The Gujarat riots were a dark chapter, but the state has emerged stronger and more united in the years since.”
