Modi lauds 'The Sabarmati Report' film, claims truth is coming out
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly praised the film The Sabarmati Report, which delves into the 2002 Godhra train incident and the subsequent Gujarat riots. In a statement made at a public event on Friday, Modi hailed the movie as a powerful medium for presenting "the truth" about the tragic events that transpired over two decades ago, saying that the film is helping to uncover facts that had previously been "misrepresented."
The Sabarmati Report, directed by noted filmmaker Ketan Mehta, is a controversial documentary-style film that investigates the 2002 burning of the Sabarmati Express, which led to the deaths of 59 Hindu pilgrims and sparked violent riots across Gujarat. The film has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of the incident and its aftermath, challenging existing narratives about the causes and political implications of the events.
Modi's Comments on the Film
Speaking at a gathering of BJP supporters in Delhi, PM Modi remarked, "The truth about the Godhra incident and the 2002 riots has often been distorted and politicized. Today, with the release of The Sabarmati Report, the truth is coming out. It is important for the nation to understand what truly happened, as we cannot move forward unless we face the reality of our past."
The Prime Minister’s comments are seen as supportive of the film’s portrayal of the Godhra train attack, which has long been a highly divisive issue in Indian politics. Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time of the 2002 riots, has faced ongoing criticism from political opponents and human rights groups over his handling of the violence, which led to widespread deaths and displacement, particularly among the Muslim community.
In his address, Modi suggested that the film sheds light on the "true story" of the events, which, according to him, have often been misinterpreted by some sections of the media and political groups. "Those who spread lies about Gujarat’s development and the events of 2002 are now being exposed," Modi said, adding that The Sabarmati Report offers a platform for presenting the facts, which, according to him, have been "buried" for years.
A Controversial Film
The Sabarmati Report has sparked a wide array of reactions since its release earlier this month. The film critically examines the burning of the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station, which killed 59 people, mostly Karsevaks returning from Ayodhya. While the film presents an in-depth look at the incident, it challenges several aspects of the official investigations, suggesting that the full story has not been told, particularly regarding the role of local authorities and political figures.