Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 June 2025 crossed the milestone of becoming India's longest-serving head of an elected government, surpassing all predecessors in continuous tenure. The landmark prompted an outpouring of tributes from religious leaders, NDA-allied Chief Ministers, and political figures, who credited his 12-year tenure with steering the country toward development and public welfare.

Religious Leaders Weigh In

Spiritual head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, called the occasion 'a symbol of the spirit of putting the nation first, visionary leadership, and dedication to public service.' He drew a historical arc, noting that while India witnessed the eras of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, the current phase represents 'a new phase — one in which the world sees India not merely as a country, but as a nation advancing with its own vision, identity, and self-confidence.'

All India Shia Personal Law Board General Secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas described the milestone as 'a matter of great joy,' while expressing the hope that the Prime Minister 'will keep working for humanity, society and the country.' He acknowledged the challenge of governing a vast and diverse nation, saying it is 'a big thing to satisfy everyone in a huge country like India.'

NDA Chief Ministers Offer Congratulations

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state has received more from the Centre than it had anticipated. 'He has done a lot for Chhattisgarh. We have got more than what we expected from the Centre,' Sai said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the 12-year period as the journey of 'a karmayogi, a tapasvi, and a dedicated practitioner who has continuously worked without pause to take India to greater heights.' Dhami added that India's global standing has risen considerably during this period.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena supremo Eknath Shinde said Modi 'has created a distinct identity for himself in India's history,' calling him 'one of the most successful Prime Ministers' who 'has left a lasting mark through his tenure and leadership.'

BJP's Political Reading

Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Harsh Malhotra characterised the 12-year tenure as one of 'development, trust, and public welfare.' He recalled that on the day Modi was sworn in during 2014, the Prime Minister pledged in his very first address that his government would be 'dedicated to the poor.'

Context and Significance

Modi first assumed office on 26 May 2014, and has since led the government through three consecutive terms, a feat unmatched in the post-Emergency democratic era. The milestone arrives as India continues to assert a stronger presence on the global stage, from G20 hosting duties to rising foreign direct investment inflows. Critics, however, have noted that the record is not without controversy, with opposition parties contesting the government's record on economic inequality, institutional autonomy, and press freedom. The tributes pouring in on 9 June 2025 largely reflect the perspective of allies and supporters rather than a cross-partisan consensus.