PM Modi becomes India's longest-serving elected PM; surpasses Jawaharlal Nehru
New Delhi, June 10
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became India's longest-serving Prime Minister, marking 12 years at the helm of the Central government.
PM Modi crossed former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's record with 4,399 days in office as an elected Prime Minister.
Nehru's tenure from 1952 onwards is considered for this comparison, as he headed an interim government between 1947 and 1952 before the country's first general elections were held.
While former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for more than 14 years in office, her tenure was not continuous, making Modi the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister in the country's history. He has served from his first swearing-in ceremony in 2014 to securing successive mandates in 2019 and a historic third consecutive term in 2024.
The PM Modi-led government's era has also been marked by a series of high-profile infrastructure and nation-building projects, including the new Parliament building, Central Vista redevelopment, Kartavya Path, Vande Bharat trains, the Statue of Unity, INS Vikrant, the Kashmir rail link, Noida International Airport, Namo Bharat RRTS and the Ganga Expressway.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will hold a crucial meeting in the national capital on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of 12 years of the NDA government at the Centre and to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister.
The meeting, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, is expected to witness the participation of Prime Minister Modi, top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, chief ministers and deputy chief ministers from all 22 NDA-ruled states and Union Territories, as well as leaders of the alliance's constituent parties.
According to sources, the NDA is likely to adopt a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Modi on achieving the historic milestone of surpassing the record held by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Senior Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will attend the event along with other prominent NDA leaders.
The meeting is being organised to commemorate the NDA government's 12th year in office and is expected to focus on the alliance's achievements, future policy priorities, and political roadmap. Key discussions are likely to revolve around governance initiatives, development programmes, and preparations for upcoming electoral challenges.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While this is indeed historic, I hope the government doesn't lose sight of bread-and-butter issues like unemployment and inflation. Infrastructure is great, but common citizens need jobs and affordable prices too. Let's see if the third term focuses more on economic relief.
Comparing directly with Nehru is tricky. Different eras, different challenges. Nehru built the foundation of modern India - IITs, AIIMS, space program. But Modi's focus on infrastructure and national pride is undeniable. Both contributed in their own ways. Healthy to acknowledge both. 😊
NDA meeting at Bharat Mandapam - fitting venue! The way Modi ji has consolidated support across regions is remarkable. Even after 12 years, he still commands strong loyalty from allies and the public. Leadership that has changed Indian politics forever.
Historic achievement! The Kashmir rail link and Statue of Unity are projects that will benefit generations. But I do wish the government would be more sensitive to minority concerns and press freedom. Longest-serving doesn't always mean best-governed. Need to balance pride with critical assessment.
From making India a 5 trillion dollar economy to handling COVID relief, Modi's tenure has been eventful. The fact that he won three consecutive terms shows people's trust. Let's hope the NDA meeting today results in concrete plans for the next 5 years. Development must reach every village! 💪
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