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

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.