New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday opened up about the 2002 Gujarat riots, recalling the Godhra train burning and the volatile situation at the time.

While speaking in a podcast with Lex Fridman, Modi said, "On February 27, 2002, we were seated in the Assembly for the budget session. That same day, it had been just three days since I'd become a state representative when suddenly, the horrific Godhra incident occurred. It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. People were burned alive. Of course, this was tragic for everyone. Everyone prefers peace."

Taking a dig at Congress, Modi said, "Before 2002, there were more than 250 major riots in the state. The riots of 1969 lasted 6 months... Our opposition was in power, and they tried their best to get us punished in these false cases against us. Despite their efforts, the judiciary analysed the whole sequence of events in detail. The accused have been punished... While there were frequent riots in Gujarat before 2002, no major incident has happened after 2002." 

Acknowledging that the Godhra train burning incident led some people towards violence, PM Modi said that efforts were made by his opponents in power at the centre to push allegations against his government. However, he added, the judiciary found them innocent after analysing the situation.

"But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally, they wanted all allegations against us to stick. 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 from the courts," the Prime Minister asserted.

He lauded Gujarat for not recording any "major riots" after 2002. PM Modi said that his home state remains "completely peaceful" as the mantra of his government remains to focus on development for all.

"But the most important thing is, in Gujarat, where riots used to happen some way or another every year, but after 2002, in 22 years, there hasn't been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful. Our approach has always been to avoid World Bank politics. Instead, our mantra has been, together with everyone, development for all, trust from all, and efforts by everyone," the PM said.