Tragedy of unimaginable magnitude: PM Modi opens up on 2002 Gujarat riots on Lex Fridman Podcast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a marathon interview with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman, spoke on a wide range of topics, from PM's early life and governance to global issues like the Ukraine war and the relationship with Pakistan, among others. During the interview, Lex Fridman also asked PM Modi about the 2002 Gujarat riots and if he could speak on the broad lessons that PM Modi drew from that time.

PM Modi said that a fake narrative was spread regarding the Godhra case. Before 2002, Gujarat had witnessed over 250 riots, and communal violence was frequent. Also, PM Modi narrated how the world was witnessing a surge in terrorist activities and violence during those times. However, since 2002, not a single such riot has occurred in the state of Gujarat.

The PM emphasized that his government does not engage in vote-bank politics but follows the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas." He also highlighted the fact that people tried to malign his image after the riots, but ultimately, justice prevailed, and the courts cleared his name.

Responding to the question, PM Modi said, "I’d like to paint you a clearer picture of the 12 to 15 months leading up to that, so you can fully understand the atmosphere of that time."

PM Modi took a broader perspective to explain the chain of events that happened just before the 2002 riots. PM said," For instance, take December 24, 1999, roughly three years earlier, an Indian flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked, redirected to Afghanistan, and landed in Kandahar. Hundreds of Indian passengers were held hostage. It caused massive turmoil across India as people faced life and death uncertainty."

PM Modi further said, “Then, in the year 2000, the Red Fort in Delhi was attacked by terrorists. Yet another crisis struck the nation, intensifying fear and turmoil. On September 11th, 2001, the Twin Towers in America faced a devastating terror attack, once again shocking the entire world. Because ultimately, the people behind these attacks are driven by a similar mindset. Then in October 2001, terrorists attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Soon after, on December 13th, 2001, India’s parliament was targeted.”

“Within just eight to 10 months, these major global terrorist attacks took place, violent incidents that led to bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. In such a tense environment, even the smallest spark can ignite unrest," PM Modi said.

PM Modi further said that the situation had already become extremely volatile. "In such times, suddenly, on October 7th, 2001, I was given the responsibility of becoming chief minister of Gujarat." "This was an enormous challenge. At that time, Gujarat was recovering from a devastating earthquake, the largest of the previous century, which had left thousands dead," PM Modi added.

First major task as CM

PM Modi said his first major task as chief minister was overseeing the rehabilitation of survivors. This was a crucial task, and from day one after my oath, I immersed myself in it. I was a person who had absolutely no prior experience with government. I had never been part of any administration, never even served in government before. I had never contested an election, never even been a state representative. For the first time in my life, I had to face elections. On February 24, 2002, I became a state representative, an elected representative for the first time. And it was only around February 24th, 25th, or 26th that I stepped into the Gujarat Assembly for the very first time.

Godhra Incident

PM Modi recalled and said that it was on February 27, 2002, we were seated in the Assembly for the budget session. And that same day, it had been just three days since I’d become a state representative, when suddenly the horrific Godhra incident occurred. It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, people were burned alive. You can imagine, against the backdrop of incidents like the Kandahar hijacking, the attack on parliament, or even 9/11, and then to have so many people killed and burned alive, you can imagine how tense and volatile the situation was. Of course, this was tragic for everyone. Everyone prefers peace. The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is actually misinformation.

Long history of riots in Gujarat

If you review the data from before 2002, you will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots. Curfews were constantly being imposed somewhere. Communal violence could erupt over trivial issues, like kite flying contests or even minor bicycle collisions. Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture. But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, 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,” PM Modi detailed the entire incident.