March 17, 2025 |
In an exclusive three-hour-long interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 2002 Gujarat riots, the backdrop in which they occurred, and the lessons learned.
Key Highlights from PM Modi's Interview:
1. The Background Leading to 2002
PM Modi pointed out that before 2002, Gujarat had seen over 250 riots, making communal violence a recurring issue in the state. He also emphasized that the global atmosphere at the time was extremely tense due to:
1999 Kandahar hijack 2001 Attack on J&K Assembly 2001 Indian Parliament attack 9/11 Twin Tower attacks in the US
"Even a small spark in such a volatile environment could ignite unrest," PM Modi said.
2. "Godhra Incident Was A Tragedy Of Unimaginable Magnitude"
PM Modi recalled February 27, 2002, just three days after he had officially become a State Representative. "We were in the assembly for the budget session when the horrific Godhra train burning incident occurred. People were burned alive in a manner beyond imagination."
Also Read: PM Modi on 2002 Gujarat Riots: "A Tragedy of Unimaginable Magnitude"
3. Legal Battles & Misinformation Around 2002
PM Modi stated that his political opponents in power at the time tried to blame him, but the judiciary cleared him after thorough investigations:
Also Read: PM Modi on India’s ‘Mini Brazil’: "A Village Where Football Runs in the Blood
"Our political opponents made relentless efforts, but the judiciary twice found us completely innocent." "Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts."
4. Gujarat’s Communal History Before 2002
PM Modi refuted the claim that the 2002 riots were the biggest in Gujarat’s history. He cited past riots, such as the 1969 riots that lasted six months. "Before 2002, Gujarat saw frequent curfews and communal violence over trivial matters like kite-flying or bicycle collisions."
5. Gujarat Since 2002: "No Communal Violence"
PM Modi highlighted that since 2002, Gujarat has not witnessed a single riot. "With our policy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', politics of appeasement has been replaced by politics of development."
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Last Updated on March 17, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
