There has always been riots in India. But 2 incidents - 1984 sikh massacre and 2002 gujarat genocide stand out. Why? Because these two were STATE SPONSORED. That is big point here. However, unlike BJP, Congress wasn't arch-enemy of Sikhs. After 1984, congress didn't do anything to hurt sikhs. They even kind of apologized for that. But BJP? It has always been anti-muslims (although Vajpayee wasn't pro violence) and under Modi regime, covert genocide of muslims is going on strongly.
As for Godhra, it wasn't merely against Hindus. It was against the right-wing hindu extremists who demolished Babri masjids. Subtle but important difference. Being Hindu is one thing. Being anti-muslim Hindu extremist is another.
And what happened to culprits of Godhra incident? They all are in jails. What happened to 2002 culprits? They are running the country and they have upped the game of muslim genocide. And that is why we are even having discussion here.
The extent of crimes of BJP and congress aren't same. They both are ugly but BJP is evil personified.
I am Hindu and all my family members and friends are staunch BJP supporters. And yet as Modi opponent, I feel scared. A hindu is scared of criticising Modi. That has never been the case during Congress. Even in 1975, people were able to oppose Indira Gandhi but that is unimaginable now.
And I am saying this as someone who has been hardcore member of RSS for all my life. I am now 44 yr old and I started to drift away from RSS/BJP since Modi came into scene.