NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the discourse surrounding the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat was an attempt to push a false narrative, adding that despite efforts by his political opponents to hold him responsible, the courts found him innocent.
Speaking in a podcast with Lex Fridman, which was released on Sunday, PM Modi refuted claims that the 2002 riots were the “biggest riots ever”, calling it “misinformation.”
“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. On February 27th, 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,” PM Modi said.
“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,” he said.
‘Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots’
PM Modi cited the 1969 riots, which lasted over six months, as an example of Gujarat’s history of communal violence, emphasising that these incidents occurred long before he entered politics.
“The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is actually misinformation. 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,” he said.
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“But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter.
The prime minister asserted that allegations against him were politically motivated, claiming that his opponents, who were in power at the Centre at the time, wanted to see him punished.
“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 said.
PM Modi noted that the state, which once saw regular communal violence, has remained peaceful since 2002. “In the past 22 years, Gujarat has not witnessed a single major riot. The state remains completely peaceful,” he said.
PM Modi on criticism: ‘The soul of democracy’
Fridman followed up by asking Modi how he perceives criticism, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like the Gujarat riots.
“Criticism is the soul of democracy,” Modi responded. “Our scriptures say: ‘Always keep your critics close,’ because they help you improve.”
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However, he was quick to differentiate between constructive criticism and what he called “sensationalism” in modern political discourse.
“Genuine criticism is based on research and analysis. Unfortunately, today’s media and political opponents often take shortcuts, making unfounded accusations instead of engaging in thoughtful critique,” he said. “The references you’re giving, they are allegations, not criticism.”
PM Modi suggested that much of the opposition he faced over the years stemmed from ideological biases rather than factual concerns.
“Those who criticised me for the riots did not care about Gujarat’s history of violence before 2002. They were not interested in the transformation that happened after,” he said. “They only wanted to create a narrative that suited their agenda.”
PM Modi on governance: ‘From appeasement to aspiration’
Moving beyond the riots, PM Modi outlined what he sees as his administration’s biggest achievement—shifting India’s political culture from “appeasement politics” to “aspirational politics.”
“For decades, politics was about appeasement—keeping certain groups happy for votes. We changed that. We focused on aspirational politics, where governance is about delivering results for everyone, not just selected communities,” he said.
Modi reiterated his government’s guiding principle: “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with everyone, development for all, trust from all, and efforts by everyone).
“We have ensured that governance reaches the last person in the queue, regardless of caste, creed, or religion,” he added. “Whether it’s housing, electricity, sanitation, or digital payments, every Indian benefits. That is true development.”
