India (Commonwealth Union)_ Narendra Modi has set a new record as India’s longest-serving head of an elected government, completing 8,931 days in office during his time as both a state leader and the country’s prime minister. With this, he moves past Pawan Kumar Chamling, who previously held the record with 8,930 days as Sikkim’s chief minister. Modi’s political career as an executive began on October 7, 2001, when he became Gujarat’s Chief Minister. He went on to rule the state for over 13 years before stepping down in May 2014 to pursue national politics. Just days later, on May 26, 2014, he was sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister.
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Since then, Modi has achieved several political milestones. He became the first non-Congress leader in India’s history to win a full majority in the Lok Sabha and has led his party to victory in three consecutive general elections: in 2014, 2019, and 2024. Over the years, he has also become Gujarat’s longest-serving chief minister and the prime minister with the most extensive prior experience as a state leader. Accordingly, leaders from across the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marked the occasion with messages praising his leadership.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Modi’s years of public service have had a long-term impact on the country, emphasizing efforts to assist the poor, accelerate development, and raise India’s global profile. JP Nadda, the BJP’s president and Union Minister, described Modi’s career as one dedicated to national welfare and tangible improvement at the local level. He pointed out that India is making consistent strides toward becoming a developed nation, fueled by policies designed to uplift crucial segments of the population: the youth, women, farmers, and those less fortunate.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the milestone reflects the strong and lasting connection Modi has built with the people. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended him as a dedicated leader who cares about the well-being and growth of over a billion inhabitants. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also praised Modi, describing the achievement as a reflection of his vision, perseverance, and persistent focus on national prosperity.
Globally, Modi now joins a small group of leaders known for long tenures in elected office. These include Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who served for 31 years; Cambodia leader Hun Sen, who remained in power for nearly 38 years; Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, one of the longest-serving leaders in recent times; and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led Germany for 16 years. Unlike many long-serving leaders who governed in smaller or less competitive political systems, Modi’s record stands out in the context of a large and vibrant democracy like India. As he begins his 25th year in office, the length of time he has held as elected head of government is impressive. He has faced many elections and still shows continuity of leadership within the state and national government during his term of service. His importance continues to increase with each passing year. He has changed the direction of the growth trajectory of Gujarat. He is also influencing the direction of national change, and overall, he is making significant changes in the political landscape of India as a result of his bold actions during his tenure as an elected official.
