Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed that the discourse surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots was an attempt to create a “false narrative” against him, alleging that political opponents in power at the Centre wanted him “punished.” However, he asserted that courts investigated the case and cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Speaking on a podcast with Lex Fridman, Modi dismissed the idea that the 2002 riots were the most significant in Gujarat’s history, calling it “misinformation.”
“If you look at data from before 2002, Gujarat witnessed frequent riots. Curfews were common, and communal violence would erupt over trivial matters like kite flying contests or bicycle collisions,” he said.
The prime minister recalled that the Godhra train burning occurred just three days after he was elected as a legislator, triggering widespread violence. He claimed a “fake narrative” was built around the incident.
“But the courts thoroughly investigated and found us completely innocent. Those truly responsible faced justice,” he stated.
Modi said that Gujarat, once plagued by regular violence, has remained peaceful since 2002. “Gujarat has not seen riots in 22 years,” he claimed.
Highlighting his governance approach, Modi said his government has moved away from “vote bank politics” and embraced “politics of aspiration.”
“Our mantra has been sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka prayas. We have abandoned appeasement politics and focused on development,” he said.
