• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a number of contentious issues during his first-ever podcast appearance on Friday, including the Godhra riots of 2002 and the US denial of his visa in 2005. After seeing "that painful scene," PM Modi told entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, he "felt everything" but, as Gujarat's chief minister, he did everything in his power to keep his feelings in check.

"On February 24, 2002, I became 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 a 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 wanted to visit Godhra... There was only one helicopter...I guess it was ONGC's, but they said that since it is a single-engine chopper, they cannot allow a VIP on it. We argued, and I said that I would be responsible for whatever happened," PM Modi said.

He stated that upon arriving at Godhra, he witnessed horrific sights of dead bodies.

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He recalled arriving in Godhra and witnessing the painful scene with the lifeless bodies. Although he was deeply affected, he recognised that his position required him to set aside his emotions and natural instincts. He did his best to maintain control over himself.

PM Modi also recalled being denied a visa by the United States while he was Gujarat's chief minister.

"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... That day, I held a press conference, where I said that the American government had rejected my visa. I also said that I see India, where the world will stand in the queue for visas. This is my statement in 2005 and today we are standing in 2025. So, I can see that now, the time belongs to India," he added.

According to PM Modi, India's lack of dishonesty in international affairs is the reason why the world has faith in the nation. The story of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Gujarat was also recounted by PM Modi.