November 17, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the film The Sabarmati Report for shedding light on the truth of the 2002 Godhra train-burning incident. Modi, who served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat during the tragic event, emphasized that “a fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time” while commending the movie for making the facts accessible to the common people.
The prime minister’s comments came in response to a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user who hailed the film for unearthing the “important truth” about one of India’s most contentious historical episodes. The user argued that the brutal burning of passengers aboard the Sabarmati Express had been manipulated by vested interests to tarnish the reputation of a particular leader, implicitly pointing to Modi.
PM Modi’s Reaction
In his post, PM Modi remarked, “Well said. It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it.” He added, “A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out!”
The Context Behind The Sabarmati Report
The movie delves into the Godhra train incident of February 2002, in which more than 50 passengers—primarily pilgrims returning from Ayodhya—lost their lives when a coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire. The incident sparked widespread communal riots across Gujarat, leaving a lasting scar on the state’s history.
While the Gujarat Police attributed the train fire to a Muslim mob, alternate theories suggested it was an accident. A committee led by former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, under the UPA government, backed the accident theory. However, subsequent court rulings convicted many of the accused, aligning with the Gujarat Police’s findings.
Significance of the Film
The Sabarmati Report attempts to address the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident, providing a cinematic portrayal of events based on investigative accounts. By doing so, the movie seeks to engage audiences in understanding one of India’s most politically sensitive events through a dramatized yet factual lens.
The film has sparked significant discourse online, with viewers applauding its effort to present an alternative perspective on the Godhra tragedy. As Modi’s acknowledgment adds weight to the movie’s narrative, it is likely to gain even more attention in the days to come.
TheSabarmatiReport, GodhraIncident, PMModi, TruthPrevails, Bollywood, HistoricalDrama, IndianPolitics, Justice,
