Arif Mohammad Khan, the Governor of Bihar, shared his reflections on his past criticism of Narendra Modi during a book launch event in New Delhi, where he spoke about his experiences during the aftermath of the 2002 Godhra incident. Khan revealed that he was a vocal critic of Modi at that time; however, after spending four months in Gujarat and interacting with various communities, his perspective significantly shifted. He attributed this change to the dialogue he had with people affected by the riots, indicating a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the events of that period.

Khan emphasized that if it were not for his prolonged stay in Gujarat following the Godhra incident, he might have maintained his earlier critical stance towards Modi. He expressed concern that Modi has been mischaracterized and unfairly vilified in the aftermath of the riots. By sharing this personal journey of understanding, Khan aimed to highlight the importance of direct engagement with affected communities to foster a more accurate narrative about leaders and their actions during crises.

This shift in Khan's perception could have broader implications for the political discourse surrounding Modi, especially as it relates to the BJP's handling of sensitive communal issues in India. His statements might encourage others to re-evaluate their positions based on firsthand experiences rather than preconceived notions, potentially influencing public sentiment towards Modi and his governance.