New Delhi, June 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reflected on one of the most challenging moments of his political career, recalling that he faced the aftermath of the Godhra train burning incident just days after becoming a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in 2002.
Speaking at a public event, Modi said he was elected as an MLA for the first time on February 24, 2002, and entered the Gujarat Assembly for the first time on February 27. He noted that his tenure as an MLA was only three days old when news of the Godhra train tragedy began to emerge.
Recounting the events of that day, the Prime Minister said he was attending proceedings in the Assembly when reports started coming in about a train being set on fire in Godhra. Concerned by the developing situation, he decided to travel to the site immediately.
Modi said he initially planned to travel via Vadodara and then take a helicopter to Godhra. However, he was informed that no suitable helicopter was available. He recalled insisting on travelling in a single-engine helicopter despite objections, stating that he was willing to take responsibility for the journey in order to reach the affected area as quickly as possible.
Describing the scene at Godhra, Modi said witnessing the large number of victims was deeply painful. He added that while he was emotionally affected by the tragedy, he understood that his position demanded composure and responsibility.
“I am also a human being and felt the pain like anyone else. But I knew I was holding a position that required me to rise above emotions and focus on my duty,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges he encountered early in public life, the Prime Minister remarked that his political journey had been marked by difficult circumstances from the very beginning. He also pointed to his continued public service over the past 24 years, saying that despite numerous challenges, he has remained committed to serving the people.
The Godhra train burning incident on February 27, 2002, remains one of the most significant and controversial events in Gujarat’s modern history, triggering widespread communal violence across the state.
