Ending Riots in Gujarat Was Key Lesson from 2002 Violence: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking for the first time as PM on the 2002 Gujarat riots in a podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman, said the most significant takeaway from the communal violence was halting riots in a historically volatile state. “In Gujarat, where riots used to happen some way or the other every year, but after 2002, in 22 years, there hasn’t been a single major riot,” Modi remarked, crediting this peace to a shift from appeasement to aspirational politics.

Reflecting on the unrest that erupted six months into his tenure as Chief Minister, Modi contextualized the violence—sparked by events like the Kandahar hijacking and 9/11—noting its intensity with “so many people killed and burned alive.” He challenged the narrative of 2002 as Gujarat’s worst riots, stating, “Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months,” clarifying a long history predating his leadership.

Modi emphasized the judiciary’s role post-2002, which investigated the riots under an opposing central government. “Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice,” he said. This, he argued, reinforced the rule of law and fostered Gujarat’s sustained harmony, contributing to its development and India’s broader progress.

Fridman, who called the riots a challenging chapter with over 1,000 deaths, was praised by Modi for his thorough research. “I feel you’re trying to deeply understand India… there’s genuine honesty in your sincere effort to uncover the truth,” Modi said, appreciating the podcaster’s diligence in the three-hour dialogue.