PM Modi mentions 2002 Godhra train tragedy in podcast debut: ‘I felt everything but I knew…’

Modi was speaking about the February 27 incident where 59 people were killed when the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express was burnt at Godhra

In his debut podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the 2002 Gujarat riots as he spoke of some of the biggest challenges in his life.

“On February 24, 2002, I became MLA for the first time, and on February 27, I went to the Assembly. I was a three-day-old MLA when such an incident happened in Godhra. We first received reports of fire in train, then gradually we received reports of casualties. I was in the House, and I was concerned,” the Prime Minister recalled.

“As soon as I came out, I said I want to visit Godhra. There was only one helicopter... I guess it was ONGC's, but they said that since it is single engine, they cannot allow a VIP on it. We had an argument, and I said that I will be responsible for whatever happens. I reached Godhra, and I witnessed the painful scene, those dead bodies… I felt everything, but I knew that I am sitting on a position where I will have to stay out of my emotions and natural tendency. I did whatever I could to control myself,” he added further.

Modi was speaking about the February 27 incident where 59 people were killed when the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express was burnt at Godhra, triggering one of the worst communal riots in the state.

During his freewheeling conversation with Kamath, the Prime Minister also spoke about his journey from an “ordinary student” to becoming the chief minister of Gujarat. “When I became the CM, in one of my speeches, I had said that I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts. Secondly, I will not do anything for myself. Third, I am a human, I may make mistakes, but I will not make mistakes with bad intentions. I made them my life's mantras. It is natural to make mistakes, after all I am a human, I am not God, but will not do wrong intentionally,” he stated.