PM Modi Calls Godhra a ‘Tragedy of Unimaginable Magnitude’ in Lex Fridman Podcast
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the 2002 Godhra train incident as a tragedy of “unimaginable magnitude” that sparked violence in Gujarat, in a podcast with US-based AI researcher Lex Fridman. He dismissed claims of it being the state’s worst riots, highlighting 22 years of peace since then despite opponents’ efforts to pin blame on him.
In the three-hour interview, released on Sunday, Modi addressed the 2002 Gujarat riots, which claimed 1,000 lives. He called the Godhra train burning on February 27, 2002, a pivotal event that ignited unrest amid a tense global climate. “It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, people were burned alive,” he told Fridman.
Modi outlined the volatile backdrop, citing the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, the 2000 Red Fort attack, 9/11, and the 2001 Parliament attack. “Within eight to 10 months, these major global terrorist attacks took place, making the situation extremely volatile,” he said. He assumed Gujarat’s CM role in October 2001, just months before the riots.
Modi noted his lack of prior administrative experience when he took office. “I had never contested an election, never been a state representative,” he said, recalling his focus on earthquake rehabilitation before the Godhra incident. He entered the Gujarat Assembly as an elected representative only days before the tragedy.
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Modi refuted the perception of 2002 as Gujarat’s worst riots. “Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The 1969 riots lasted nearly six months,” he said, emphasizing the state’s history of communal unrest. He credited his leadership for ensuring no major riots in Gujarat over the past 22 years.
Addressing accusations, Modi said, “Our political opponents were in power [at the Centre], and naturally they wanted all allegations against us to stick.” He highlighted two Supreme Court rulings in 2012 and 2022 that cleared him. “Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts,” he added.
Modi underscored Gujarat’s shift from frequent riots to sustained peace. “Our mantra has been—together with everyone, development for all, trust from all, and efforts by everyone,” he said.He emphasized moving away from appeasement to aspiration-driven governance.
The podcast, available in multiple languages, marks Modi’s second such appearance after a talk with Nikhil Kamath. It is likely to draw attention to his narrative on Gujarat’s past and present ahead of key political events. Further reactions to his comments are expected as the interview gains traction online.
