What happened in 2002… – PM Modi shares insights on Godhra Riots in Lex Fridman interview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a personal podcast interview with Lex Fridman about the devastating 2002 Godhra train burning and subsequent Gujarat riots. During the discussion investigators focused on how Modi began his political career before analyzing his governance style while addressing the extensive criticism he received after the violent incidents.

Challenging beginnings

The chief minister began his speech by remembering the events of February 2002 which occurred three days following his election to public office. He entered the Gujarat Assembly for the first time during February 24th or 25th before the grim Godhra incident took place on February 27.

What happened in Godhra

The Hindu karsevaks on board the Sabarmati Express suffered fatal burns during a mob attack that ignited the train on February 27 2002 therefore resulting in the deaths of 59 people including several women and children. After the train firefighters started several religious conflicts which killed many people throughout Gujarat. The special court delivered convictions against 31 individuals for their roles in the Godhra train burning incident during its 2011 trial. Afterward the Gujarat High Court validated the 2014 verdict by convicting 11 defendants but releasing another 20 who had been previously found guilty.

'Fake narrative' on Gujarat

Prime Minister Modi clarified that Gujarat had more than 250 communal riots spanning 200 years and experienced regular curfews because of communal unrest before 2002. The violence of 2002 did not surpass the previous incidents according to PM Modi because he found these earlier situations had a stronger impact on Gujarat.

On handling criticism

In the interview Fridman questioned PM Modi about his reaction to his detractors specifically about the events of the 2002 riots. The prime minister displayed his willingness to receive beneficial feedback through his statement that “Criticism is the soul of democracy.” A true democracy dweller should welcome its principles to guide their actions. Many attacks he received lacked factual evidence while political interests shaped most of them.

Modi genuine criticism

The leader called for criticism backed by knowledge because true analysis should stem from thorough research versus simple accusations. According to Modi genuine criticism enables you to enhance yourself rapidly and enables democratic cooperation with enhanced understanding, so critics should be your closest companions.