Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 7 marked 25 uninterrupted years as head of government, reflecting on his journey from Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 to three consecutive terms as Prime Minister and thanking citizens for repeatedly giving him the opportunity to serve.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 consecutive years as head of a government on October 7.
- Modi began his journey as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 before moving to national politics in 2014.
- He credited the people, BJP, NDA and party workers for supporting his long political journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked the people of India for their continued confidence in him as he completed 25 consecutive years as the head of a government. He said the trust placed in him by citizens had also brought the highest responsibility to serve the country.
The milestone traces back to October 7, 2001, when Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister. He remained in the post until 2014 before moving to national politics and eventually becoming Prime Minister.
Addressing a large gathering at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, Modi reflected on the significance of the 25-year journey. He said he had never imagined reaching such a milestone when he first became Gujarat Chief Minister.
Modi recalls 25-year political journey
Modi said October 7 marked his 25th consecutive year as the head of a government. He described the achievement as a reflection of the continued blessings and support of the people.
He also expressed gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party, the NDA and political colleagues who, he said, continued to place faith in democracy.
The Prime Minister said his political journey depended heavily on the confidence of citizens. He noted that people had repeatedly selected him to serve them through both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Modi also paid tribute to India’s democratic system and the Constitution. He said the long journey in public office represented the faith that people had placed in India’s democratic process.
People welcome PM Modi with slogans
As Modi arrived at the venue, supporters greeted him with flowers and BJP flags. The gathering also raised slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Swagat hai, bhai swagat hai; Modi ji ka swagat hai’.
Several people used their mobile phones to capture the Prime Minister’s arrival.
The public reception added a celebratory element to an occasion that marked a major milestone in Modi’s political career.
PM visits Delhi temple before event
Earlier in the day, Modi visited Shri Vinayak Mandir in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar.
He offered prayers at the temple and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesha as he completed 25 years in public office.
The Prime Minister said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country, whom he described as members of his extended family.
He also expressed gratitude to participants of the Seva Jyoti Yatra.
Modi says people remain his greatest strength
Modi highlighted the importance of public trust in his political career. He said millions of citizens and the dedicated work of party workers had remained his biggest source of strength.
He said the country had given him immense opportunities and responsibilities. In return, he stressed that his duty towards the nation was equally significant.
The Prime Minister also said he considered every citizen to have the greatest right over his service.
His remarks placed public trust at the centre of his account of the 25-year journey.
From Gujarat Chief Minister to Prime Minister
Modi began his tenure as head of a government in Gujarat in October 2001. He replaced Keshubhai Patel as Chief Minister at a difficult time for the state.
Gujarat was still dealing with the aftermath of the devastating Bhuj earthquake. The state also faced political and administrative challenges during that period.
Modi remained Gujarat Chief Minister until 2014. He then shifted to national politics and went on to become Prime Minister.
He has since completed three terms as Prime Minister of India, extending his uninterrupted run as head of a government to 25 years.
India’s growing global profile
Modi’s years in national office have also coincided with a stronger international profile for India.
His government has pursued wider diplomatic engagement and closer relations with major global powers. It has also sought to strengthen India’s role as an influential voice of the Global South.
The 25-year milestone therefore marks not only Modi’s long tenure in public office but also a political journey that has taken him from Gujarat’s state government to the country’s highest elected executive office.
For Modi, however, the occasion remained closely linked to the trust of the people. He repeatedly credited citizens and party workers for the strength that sustained his journey across 25 years. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)