Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years in public office, renewing his commitment to serving the country and setting out his vision for India’s development by 2047.
Modi began the day by offering prayers at the Shri Vinayak Temple in Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi. He later addressed the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’ organised by the BJP as part of its Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark the milestone.
“On 7 October 2001, when I took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I never imagined that this milestone would one day arrive. Today, I have completed 25 years of continuous service as the head of government,” Modi said.
He thanked the people of India, the BJP, the NDA and his political colleagues for their support.
“Seva hi dharm hai,” Modi said, adding that he lives for “mission, not ambition”.
Modi Recalls 25 Year Political Journey
Modi became Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He went on to lead the BJP to three consecutive victories in the state before becoming Prime Minister in 2014.
He subsequently returned to power in 2019 and 2024 and is currently serving his third term as Prime Minister.
Reflecting on his journey, Modi said every experience had taught him something.
“Nothing that happened in my life went to waste; every experience taught me something,” he said.
He also thanked his supporters as well as his critics, saying both had contributed to his learning.
“Those who taught me taught me humility. Those who brought me down taught me how to rise again. My supporters encouraged me, while my critics taught me to look within,” he said.
Modi recalled several events, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the Chandrayaan mission and the COVID-19 pandemic, saying each had taught him different lessons.
‘Viksit Bharat By 2047, We Will Do It’
At the Delhi event, Modi highlighted his vision for India’s development and said the country would work towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it! Aatmanirbhar Bharat! Global manufacturing hub! Hosting of the Olympics! Stepping into space!” he said.
He said the milestone was not about him personally but about the trust placed in him by the people.
“My 25-year milestone is not personal,” Modi said.
He also said that people had repeatedly chosen him to serve them in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
“Today, I pay tribute to the democracy and Constitution of India,” he said.
Modi Offers Prayers at Delhi Temple
Earlier in the day, Modi offered prayers at the Shri Vinayak Temple and said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country.
“I prayed to Lord Ganesha for the happiness, prosperity, and good health of my family members across the country,” he said.
He also prayed for the country to continue on the path of progress and said he wanted to work with greater energy and capability in the service of citizens.
The BJP has been observing a month long Seva Pakhwada to mark 25 years of Modi’s public life. Party workers have undertaken programmes highlighting his political journey and the government’s initiatives.
The milestone comes amid an ongoing political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the exercise and have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, saying deletions from electoral rolls involve dead, duplicate and ineligible voters. The issue is also being considered by the Supreme Court.
