PM Modi Sets New Record as India's Longest Serving Elected Prime Minister
Historic Achievement for PM Modi
File image of PM Modi. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, June 10: On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by becoming the longest-serving elected prime minister in India, surpassing the previous record held by Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation's first prime minister.
Having taken office on May 26, 2014, Modi has now achieved a remarkable 4,398 consecutive days in power, establishing a new benchmark for uninterrupted service by an elected leader.
To commemorate this significant milestone, the Union Cabinet adopted a resolution recognizing Modi's accomplishment, with members giving him a standing ovation.
Modi's initial term began after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won decisively in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
He secured a second consecutive term in 2019 with an even larger majority and began his third term on June 9, 2024.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to the Prime Minister, stating that this achievement reflects the trust and confidence the Indian populace has in his leadership.
In a social media message, she noted, "Your tenure has been marked by significant advancements in governance, economic stability, and social change."
Global leaders also sent their congratulations. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked that this achievement signifies years of committed public service that have propelled India's growth and global stature.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that this milestone highlights the enduring faith in Modi's leadership through three successive electoral victories.
Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto also praised Modi, stating that his journey from modest beginnings to the highest office in the country exemplifies dedication and public service.
Numerous US lawmakers, business figures, and members of the Indian diaspora also expressed their well-wishes. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn described Modi's tenure as "transformational," attributing this milestone to the trust of India's 1.4 billion citizens across three democratic elections.
However, this development sparked a strong political reaction from the Congress party. Jairam Ramesh, Congress's general secretary for communications, criticized the celebrations, arguing that Nehru's tenure should be contextualized within the formative years of independent India.
In a social media post, Ramesh highlighted Nehru's significant contributions, such as the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union, the adoption of the Constitution, the abolition of the zamindari system, and the establishment of major irrigation and power projects.
He also took a jab at Modi, suggesting that while the Prime Minister may have reached a "self-proclaimed and dubiously invented" milestone, he is presiding over what Ramesh termed the "murder of democracy."