‘Saw Painful Scene Of Corpses’: PM Modi On 2002 Godhra Riots, Recalls ‘Disrespect’ Of US Visa Cancellation

In his first podcast, Prime Minister Modi mentioned seeing the violence of the Godhra riots in 2002 as a first-time MLA and recalled the US denying him a visa in 2005.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first-ever podcast, opened up about significant moments from his political journey, including his experiences during the 2002 Godhra riots and the United States' decision to deny him a visa in 2005. The podcast, hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, was released on Friday.  

Recalling the events surrounding the 2002 Godhra riots, Modi shared, “On February 24, 2002, I became an MLA for the first time, and on February 27, I went to the Assembly. I was a three-day-old MLA when such an incident happened in Godhra. We first received reports of fire in the train, then gradually we received reports of casualties. I was in the House, and I was concerned. As soon as I came out, I said I want to visit Godhra.”  

The Prime Minister described the challenges he faced in reaching the site. “There was only one helicopter... I guess it was ONGC's, but they said that since it is a single-engine, they cannot allow a VIP to use it. We had an argument, and I said that I would be responsible for whatever happened” he stated.

“I reached Godhra, and I witnessed that painful scene, those corpses. I felt everything, but I knew I was sitting in a position where I had to stay out of my emotions and natural tendencies. I did whatever I could to control myself,” he remarked.  

PM Modi On US Govt Denying Him Visa In 2005: ‘Disrespect Of Elected Government And Country’

During the podcast, Modi also revisited the American government’s decision to deny him a visa in 2005 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Reflecting on the incident, he said, “Talking about setbacks, I was the MLA when the American government refused to give me a visa. As an individual, going to America was not a big thing, I had visited before also; but I felt the disrespect of an elected government and the country, and there was a dilemma in my mind as to what was happening.”  

He continued, “That day, I held a press conference, where I said that the American government had rejected my visa. I also said that I see an India, where the world will stand in queue for a visa. This is my statement in 2005, and today we are standing in 2025. So, I can see that now, the time is of India.”  

He was emphasising shifts pertaining to India when he remarked, “I used to say this publicly – ‘You will regret not coming back to India. At least have a foot here, the era is about to change.’” 

In the conversation, Modi also reflected on leadership, admitting that mistakes are part of being human. “In a speech as Gujarat Chief Minister, I said that mistakes happen, and I too can make some. I am also a human, not God,” he said.  

The Prime Minister advocated for the entry of good people into politics, emphasising, “They should come with a mission, not ambition.”