PM Modi Defends His Role in Gujarat Riots, Emphasizes State’s Peaceful Transformation Over 22 Years.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, asserting that despite the intense efforts of political opponents at the time to frame him, justice prevailed and the courts ultimately found him innocent. Speaking during a three-hour interaction, Modi emphasized that Gujarat, which once witnessed frequent violence, has been free of major riots for over two decades.
Modi recalled that his political opponents, who were in power at the Centre during the riots, had been keen to see him punished over the allegations. “At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally, they wanted all allegations against us to stick. They wanted to see us punished. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the most significant change in Gujarat since the riots is the lasting peace the state has experienced. “Over the past 22 years, there hasn’t been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful,” Modi asserted, underscoring the state’s transformation and its progress toward peace and development.
Modi also stressed that his approach has always been to avoid “vote bank politics.” He emphasized his government’s commitment to a more inclusive and aspirational vision for the country. “Our mantra has been, sabka saath, sabka vikas aur sabka prayas. We have moved away from the politics of appeasement practised by our predecessors to the politics of aspiration,” he said.
Throughout the interaction, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to justice and development, reflecting on how some individuals and groups attempted to malign his image after the 2002 riots. However, he noted that despite these efforts, the truth eventually came to light and the courts cleared his name.
The Prime Minister’s statements reaffirmed his long-standing stance on the Gujarat riots, framing the event as a chapter that has been legally resolved and one that should not overshadow the state’s peaceful progress in the years since.
