PM Narendra Modi, Cabinet Ministers Watch ‘The Sabarmati Report’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent viewing of The Sabarmati Report marks a notable moment in the intersection of Indian politics and cinema.

The screening, held at the Balyogi Auditorium in the Parliament library building, saw the presence of several high-profile figures, including key cabinet ministers and members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The film delves into the tragic fire incident aboard the Sabarmati Express at Godhra on February 27, 2002—a pivotal event in modern Indian history.

The screening has drawn attention not only for its subject matter but also for the political significance it carries, given Modi’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat during the incident.

A Landmark Screening for the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the screening has captured headlines, especially since it marks the first film he has watched since assuming office in 2014. This revelation, shared by veteran actor Jeetendra and actress Raashii Khanna, underscores the importance Modi places on the film’s narrative.

The prime minister was joined by senior cabinet ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari, signaling the ruling party’s strong endorsement of the movie.

The choice of venue—within the Parliament premises—adds further weight to the event. It highlights the BJP’s strategic use of cultural narratives to reinforce its political messaging.

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The Sabarmati Express fire and the subsequent communal riots remain contentious topics in Indian politics, and the film’s portrayal is bound to evoke strong reactions across the political spectrum.

Joined fellow NDA MPs at a screening of 'The Sabarmati Report.'

I commend the makers of the film for their effort. pic.twitter.com/uKGLpGFDMA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 2, 2024

By organizing this high-profile screening, the BJP has effectively brought the issue back into public discourse, positioning itself as the custodian of historical truth.

The Political Context and Significance

The Sabarmati Express incident is a deeply polarizing chapter in India’s recent history. On February 27, 2002, a fire broke out in one of the train’s coaches, killing 59 devotees returning from Ayodhya.

The incident sparked widespread communal riots in Gujarat, leading to significant loss of life and property. At the time, Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and his handling of the situation has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny ever since.

The official narrative, upheld by the Gujarat government, attributes the fire to an attack by a Muslim mob. This version was reinforced by court convictions, which held several individuals responsible for the incident.

However, an inquiry commission led by Justice U.C. Banerjee, appointed by then-Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, concluded that the fire was accidental—a finding that was later quashed by the Gujarat High Court.

The film’s exploration of these events is, therefore, more than a cinematic endeavor; it is a political statement. By revisiting the incident through The Sabarmati Report, the BJP seeks to reaffirm its narrative and challenge competing versions of the truth.

This strategy is consistent with the party’s broader approach of leveraging cultural and historical symbols to consolidate its support base.

Reactions and Implications

The screening has elicited varied responses from different quarters. Vikrant Massey, who plays the lead role in the film, described watching it with Prime Minister Modi as a surreal experience.

He expressed hope that the film would reach a wide audience and shed light on the truth behind the incident. For Massey and the rest of the cast, the screening represents a significant endorsement that could boost the film’s visibility and impact.

Veteran actor Jeetendra, who attended the screening at the invitation of his daughter Ekta Kapoor, one of the film’s producers, highlighted the significance of Modi’s attendance.

Jeetendra’s revelation that this was the first film Modi watched as prime minister underscores the event’s symbolic importance. It signals the government’s intent to promote the film as part of its broader narrative strategy.

The ruling BJP has actively supported the film’s release, with several state governments making it tax-free. This move reflects the party’s commitment to ensuring that the film reaches as wide an audience as possible. By reducing financial barriers, the BJP aims to maximize the film’s impact and reinforce its version of events.

However, the screening has also sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Critics argue that the film’s narrative is politically motivated and designed to whitewash the government’s role in the 2002 riots. They contend that by promoting the film, the BJP is attempting to rewrite history and deflect attention from uncomfortable truths.

The opposition’s response underscores the enduring controversy surrounding the Sabarmati Express incident. For many, the riots that followed the train fire remain a painful reminder of the consequences of communal polarization. The screening of The Sabarmati Report has reignited these debates, highlighting the deep divisions that continue to shape Indian society.

Broader Impact on Indian Society and Politics

The intersection of politics and cinema is not new in India, but the screening of The Sabarmati Report represents a particularly potent example.

Films have long been used as tools of political propaganda, and this event underscores their continuing relevance in shaping public discourse. By endorsing the film, the BJP is leveraging the power of storytelling to reinforce its political message and mobilize its support base.

The film’s focus on the Sabarmati Express incident also raises important questions about historical memory and collective identity. How societies remember and interpret traumatic events can have profound implications for their future. ‘

In promoting a particular version of history, the BJP is not just recounting the past; it is shaping the narrative that will define India’s future.

For the audience, the screening serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of the 2002 riots. The wounds inflicted by those events have not fully healed, and the debates they sparked remain unresolved.

By bringing the Sabarmati Express incident back into the public eye, the film forces Indians to confront difficult questions about their society and their history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to watch The Sabarmati Report is a significant political and cultural moment. It reflects the BJP’s strategic use of cinema to reinforce its narrative and mobilize its support base.

The film’s portrayal of the Sabarmati Express incident is bound to spark controversy, reigniting debates about one of the most traumatic episodes in India’s recent history. As the film reaches a wider audience, it will undoubtedly provoke reflection, discussion, and, perhaps, a deeper understanding of the complex forces that shape Indian society.