PM Modi opens up about 2002 Godhra riots, aftermath in Lex Fridman podcast

Recalling the events of February 2002, Modi highlighted how the tragedy unfolded just three days after he became an elected representative for the first time. “I stepped into the Gujarat Assembly for the first time around February 24th or 25th, and on February 27, the horrific Godhra incident occurred,” he stated, referencing the burning of the Sabarmati Express, which claimed 59 lives and triggered communal violence across the state.

Modi emphasized the volatile atmosphere at the time, pointing out the global surge in terrorist activities, including the Kandahar hijacking in 1999, the Red Fort attack in 2000, and the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He described how these events contributed to a heightened sense of unrest and insecurity in India.

On February 27, 2002, the Sabarmati Express carrying Hindu karsevaks was set on fire by a mob, resulting in the deaths of 59 people, including women and children.