Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday created history by becoming India’s longest serving head of government, overtaking former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
With a tenure of 8,931 days combining his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister, Prime Minister Modi has overtaken Chamling’s record of 8,930 days.
This achievement is a significant moment in India’s history, reflecting decades of sustained public service and leadership.
Prime Minister Modi has previously been the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarat and is also the Prime Minister with the longest prior experience as Chief Minister.
He is the first Prime Minister born after independence and has led his party to victory in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019 and 2024.
In October last year, the Prime Minister had thanked the people of India as he entered his 25th year in office as the head of India.
Reflecting on his journey since taking oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, the Prime Minister said it has been his constant endeavor to improve the quality of life of the people and contribute to national progress.
He said he had taken charge under “extremely challenging circumstances”, and reminded that Gujarat was reeling under a devastating earthquake, the impact of a super cyclone, persistent drought and political instability.
Prime Minister Modi said that these challenges have further strengthened his resolve to rebuild the state with new energy and hope. Recalling a personal incident, he said his mother had always advised him to work for the poor and never take bribes, and he said these principles guided his public life.
Highlighting the changes that have taken place in Gujarat during his tenure, he said that the state has gone from being drought-prone and economically weak to becoming a “powerhouse of good governance” with significant progress in agriculture, industry and infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also recalled being named as the Prime Ministerial candidate in 2013, when he described it as a “crisis of confidence and governance”, and credited the people of India for giving his party a decisive mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
He further said that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 11 years and India has emerged as a bright spot among major global economies. Emphasizing on empowerment, he said that these initiatives have benefited women power, youth power and farmers.
Prime Minister Modi once again expressed his gratitude, saying that serving the nation is the highest honor and reiterated his commitment towards building a “developed India” guided by constitutional values.