New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the controversial topic of the 2002 Gujarat riots during his recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman, speaking of the tense atmosphere and context leading up to the events. The prime minister described the portrayal of these riots as the worst ever in Gujarat’s history as “misinformation.”
“Before 2002, Gujarat faced frequent riots, with curfews regularly imposed. Communal violence erupted over trivial issues like kite-flying contests or minor bicycle collisions,” PM Modi said, noting that Gujarat had experienced over 250 major riots prior to 2002, including prolonged violence in 1969 that lasted nearly six months.
‘Extremely volatile situation’
Modi outlined a series of global and national incidents that heightened tensions before 2002, including the Kandahar flight hijacking in 1999, the attack on Delhi’s Red Fort in 2000, the 9/11 terror attacks in America in 2001 and the attack on India’s Parliament later that same year. “Within just 8 to 10 months, these major global terrorist attacks took place. The situation was extremely volatile,” Modi said.
Describing his personal experience as newly appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001, Modi spoke of his lack of administrative experience at the time. “My first major task as chief minister was overseeing the rehabilitation after Gujarat’s devastating earthquake. Days after becoming a State Representative, the horrific Godhra incident occurred,” Modi said, referring to the tragic event on February 27, 2002, where people were burnt alive.
‘Not a single major riot in 22 years’
He said that the subsequent violence was investigated thoroughly by India’s judiciary, ultimately clearing him and his government. “The judiciary meticulously analysed the situation twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those responsible faced justice,” Modi said.
The prime minister also highlighted the post-2002 period, saying Gujarat had remained peaceful since. “There hasn not been a single major riot in the 22 years after 2002,” Modi said, attributing this peace to a shift away from “vote-bank politics” toward inclusive development and aspiration-driven governance.
