New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, completing 4,399 consecutive days in office and surpassing the record previously held by the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi, who first assumed office on May 26, 2014, achieved the milestone after serving continuously for more than 12 years. The development prompted congratulatory messages from several senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and Union ministers, who praised his leadership and contributions to the country’s development.
Surpasses Nehru’s record
According to official records, Jawaharlal Nehru served as Prime Minister from May 13, 1952, until his death on May 27, 1964, completing 4,398 consecutive days in office after India’s first general elections.
With 4,399 uninterrupted days as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has now surpassed that record to become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history.
While Nehru also served as head of the interim government from 1947 to 1952, that period preceded the country’s first general election and is generally considered separately in records relating to elected prime ministers.
Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for a total of about 14 years between 1966 and 1984, but her tenure was not continuous as she was voted out of office following the 1977 general elections.
Rajnath Singh praises Modi’s leadership
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Prime Minister and described the achievement as a reflection of the trust placed in him by the people of India.
In a message posted on social media, Singh said Modi’s tenure reflected unwavering dedication to the nation, commitment to public welfare and transformative leadership.
He also stated that India had witnessed significant progress in development, governance and global influence during the past 12 years while experiencing what he described as a renewed confidence in its civilisational heritage.
BJP leaders hail milestone
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal termed the occasion a historic day and credited Modi’s leadership for introducing reforms that benefited farmers, entrepreneurs, women, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth and the middle class.
Goyal said several government initiatives had reached grassroots communities and contributed to economic growth and social empowerment across the country.
He further noted that India’s international profile had strengthened during Modi’s tenure and said the Prime Minister’s vision remained central to the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Ministers highlight development initiatives
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also congratulated the Prime Minister and described the milestone as significant in India’s political and developmental journey.
He said the country had made progress across multiple sectors during the past 12 years, citing infrastructure expansion, economic growth, welfare schemes and national security initiatives.
Meghwal also highlighted measures aimed at strengthening the economy and increasing employment opportunities, while referring to military operations undertaken during Modi’s tenure.
Twelve years of uninterrupted leadership
Since taking office in 2014, Modi has led the BJP to three consecutive Lok Sabha election victories and has remained one of the most influential figures in Indian politics.
His government has overseen major initiatives in infrastructure, digital governance, welfare delivery, manufacturing, foreign policy and economic reforms.
Supporters view the milestone as a reflection of political stability and sustained public support, while critics continue to debate the impact of various policy decisions implemented during his tenure.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entered the record books as India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, completing 4,399 consecutive days in office and surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s post-independence record. The milestone has been marked by congratulatory messages from BJP leaders and Union ministers, who have highlighted his role in shaping India’s political, economic and global trajectory over the past 12 years.