Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, completing 4,399 consecutive days in office and surpassing the record held by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi, who first took oath as prime minister on May 26, 2014, crossed Nehru’s elected tenure of 4,398 days. Nehru had served as an elected prime minister from May 13, 1952, to May 27, 1964. His earlier tenure between 1947 and 1952 came as head of the interim government before general elections were formally institutionalised in independent India.
The milestone prompted several senior BJP leaders to congratulate Modi and praise his leadership over the past 12 years.
BJP Leaders Congratulate PM Modi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the achievement as a reflection of the trust placed in Modi by the people of the country.
“Congratulations to Shri Narendra Modi Ji on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history, completing 4,399 days in office,” Singh said in a post on X.
Calling Modi a “tireless Karmayogi” guided by the principle of “Nation First”, Singh said the prime minister’s tenure reflected “unwavering dedication to India, steadfast commitment to the welfare of its people, and transformative leadership in service of the nation.”
He added, “This achievement is a testament to the enduring trust reposed in his leadership by the people of India and his relentless pursuit of inclusive development and good governance.”
Singh also said that under Modi’s leadership, India had made “remarkable progress in development and global leadership” while witnessing “a civilisational reawakening that has made the nation more confident, self-assured, and rooted in its heritage.”
‘Historic Day,’ Says Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called the occasion a “historic day” and highlighted the government’s welfare and reform measures.
“4,399 days and counting… A historic day as PM Narendra Modi ji becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India today,” Goyal posted on X.
He said Modi’s leadership had brought reforms benefiting “farmers, entrepreneurs, women, MSMEs, youth and the middle class.”
“Over the last 12 years, his leadership has ushered in transformative reforms that have reshaped India’s growth journey,” Goyal said, adding that government initiatives had reached the grassroots and empowered crores of citizens.
Goyal further said Modi’s leadership had strengthened India’s position globally and remained central to the vision of making India a developed country by 2047.
‘Country Progressed in Every Field’
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also congratulated the prime minister, describing the day as significant in India’s political journey.
“Today is a very special day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 12 years as Prime Minister. In these 12 years, the country has progressed in every field,” Meghwal said.
He credited Modi for strengthening India’s economy, expanding welfare schemes, controlling inflation, and increasing employment opportunities.
Meghwal also referred to military operations such as surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor, saying they had increased “the honour and respect of India in the country and the world.”
Modi’s Consecutive Tenure
Unlike former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whose 14-year term was interrupted after her defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, Modi’s tenure has remained uninterrupted since 2014. He secured three consecutive mandates in the 2014, 2019 and 2024 general elections.
The BJP has described the achievement as a sign of continued public trust in Modi’s leadership as the government moves forward with its “Viksit Bharat” vision for 2047.
