In his podcast with;o%23 Fr Strand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India made a strong statement regarding the Ram.lineWidth smart beats and rumors of major terrorist attacks in 2002 in and around Gujarat. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for people to have a consistent perception that the 2002 riots were among the biggest ever in the state, even though that timeline was far from reality.
Modi highlighted his experience of long-standing violence in Gujarat that pre-dated his tenure in power. The riots in Gujarat had occurred every year, and_communal violence, such as kite flying contests or bicycle collisions, had not materialized since 2002. He emphasized that if you review the data from before 2002, you would find frequent riots and constant curfews. Modi also pointed out that his political opponents, who rulediddleshared in power, sought to create a false narrative to punish him despite the courts affirming his innocence multiple times.
Modi recalled the God rubbing train burning incident in 2002, whichrotsResults in the riots that led to the 2002 tragedy. He described the event as an “extremely volatile” period, unfolded during what he termed “unprecedented” circumstances. The events occurred alongside other major terrorist attacks in India, including the Kandahar hijack, parliament attacks, and even 9/11. Modi noted that these incidents took place three days after he became the Chief Minister, emphasizing the tension and instability surrounding the time.
Modi acknowledged that within eight to ten months after taking office, many global terrorist attacks, including those in New York, Parliament, and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, took place, resulting in significant bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. He also acknowledged the devastating earthquake in 2001 and the subsequent riots that followed in the following year. He described this time as “extremely challenging” and was humbled to indicate that the state is still reeling from the devastation of “a devastating earthquake” at the time of becoming Chief Minister, followed by riots.
Later in the hour, PM Modi recalled Mehrauli, a city in Gujarat, and mentioned the tragic events that followed, such as the successful bullet train attack forSeghini, where 47 people were killed. He also recalled the terrorist attacks on Parliament that day and on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The Prime Minister emphasized that while the 2002 riots were among the worst, the state of Gujarat was still reeling from the devastating impacts of these events. He described the situation as one that would require a significant “rebuild” and highlighted the ongoing struggle to maintain order.