The Electoral Connection of The Sabarmati Report: PM Modi and Amit Shah Praise the Film; Tied to the Godhra Incident

The release of The Sabarmati Report, starring Vikrant Massey, has sparked widespread discussion, particularly due to its sensitive subject matter, which focuses on the infamous Godhra incident. Since its release, the film has garnered praise from key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. However, this has led to a new debate—could political parties be using the film to enhance their image or even for electoral campaigning?

Amit Shah’s Praise for The Sabarmati Report

No matter how hard a powerful ecosystem tries, it cannot keep the truth hidden in darkness forever.

The film #SabarmatiReport defies the ecosystem with unparalleled courage and exposes the truth behind the fateful episode to broad daylight. https://t.co/AnVsuCSNwi

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 18, 2024

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Amit Shah shared a post lauding The Sabarmati Report. In his post, the Home Minister expressed his admiration for the film, citing its relevance and impact. Shah’s endorsement has further fueled discussions around the film’s connection to Gujarat politics, especially given the sensitive nature of its subject matter.

PM Modi’s Support for the Film

Well said. It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it.

A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out! https://t.co/8XXo5hQe2y

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2024

Following in Amit Shah’s footsteps, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the film. On Sunday, PM Modi took to X, writing, “A false story can only last for a limited time. In the end, facts always come to light.” This statement seemed to reference the portrayal of the Godhra incident, which has been a controversial and politically charged topic for years, especially concerning Modi’s role as the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time.

What is the Electoral Connection?

The Godhra incident, which took place in 2002, has long been linked with Narendra Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time. The incident, which resulted in communal riots across the state, became a flashpoint in Indian politics. In response to the controversy, Modi set up the Nanavati-Shah Commission in March 2002 to investigate the events of the riots.

The commission’s first report, presented in September 2008, concluded that the Godhra incident was a pre-planned conspiracy, but notably gave a clean chit to Modi, his ministers, and senior officials. This report became a significant point of political debate and was instrumental in shaping Modi’s image in Gujarat. The commission’s findings were later reiterated when the Nanavati-Mehta Commission published its second report in December 2019, further solidifying the earlier conclusions.

Has the Film Become a Political Tool?

Given the film’s subject matter and the political figures’ praise, questions have arisen about whether the film is being used as a tool for political messaging. The Godhra incident continues to be a highly charged issue, especially in Gujarat, where Modi’s leadership and the aftermath of the riots are still subjects of intense debate. Could The Sabarmati Report be a way for political leaders to assert their narrative on the events? The film’s release, so close to crucial elections, only adds fuel to this speculation.

PM Modi’s Support for Other Films

This isn’t the first time that PM Modi has praised films with a strong political message. Earlier, he praised The Kashmir Files and Article 370, both of which touched upon sensitive issues tied to Indian politics and national security. In March 2022, the makers of The Kashmir Files met with Modi, who expressed his support for the film, which focused on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s.

Similarly, during a rally in February 2023, Modi mentioned a film on Article 370—the constitutional provision that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir—stating that it would help provide the public with the “correct information” on the issue.

As the controversy around The Sabarmati Report grows, one thing is clear: the film’s timing and subject matter are hard to ignore in the context of upcoming elections. While it is undoubtedly a powerful cinematic piece, its potential political connections—especially with leaders like PM Modi and Amit Shah endorsing it—have given rise to a debate about its role in shaping public opinion during a politically charged period.