PM Modi marks 25 years in office, bows to people at Viksit Bharat Sabha
Synopsis
Twenty-five years to the day he was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi bowed before a massive gathering and called citizens his greatest strength — framing a quarter-century of uninterrupted executive power as a mandate of public trust and a call to even greater accountability.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi completed 25 consecutive years as head of government on 7 October 2026 .
His tenure began when he was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001 , replacing Keshubhai Patel amid post-earthquake challenges.
Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in New Delhi , receiving a thunderous welcome from supporters.
He visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Sarojini Nagar earlier in the day to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha .
Modi credited the 'trust of lakhs and crores of countrymen' and 'hard work of lakhs of workers' as his greatest strength.
The milestone coincides with India's expanded role in global diplomacy and the Viksit Bharat vision for his third term.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 October 2026 marked 25 consecutive years as head of government, expressing deep gratitude to the people of India at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in New Delhi. Tracing his journey from Chief Minister of Gujarat to Prime Minister, Modi said the continued trust of citizens was his greatest strength.
A Milestone Rooted in Gujarat
Modi was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, replacing Keshubhai Patel at a turbulent moment — the state was still recovering from the devastation of the Bhuj earthquake and facing significant administrative challenges. He remained Chief Minister until 2014, when he transitioned to national politics and was elected Prime Minister.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, 'When I took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, I never thought that I would reach this milestone one day. Today marks my 25th consecutive year as Head of Government. This is evidence of continued blessings of the public. I express my gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party, the NDA, and all political colleagues who have immense faith in democracy.'
What the Prime Minister Said
Modi spoke with evident emotion before the massive gathering, saying, 'I bow my head and pay my respects to the people of the country. Be it the Assembly or the Lok Sabha elections, people have chosen me for their service for 25 years. Today, I also pay respects to India's democracy and the Constitution.'
He added, 'For me, the people are also a form of God. The trust of lakhs and crores of countrymen and the hard work of lakhs of workers have always been my greatest strength. The country has given me so much. Therefore, my responsibility towards the country is also the greatest. And I sincerely believe that every citizen of the country has the greatest right over me.'
Prayers and Personal Tribute
Earlier in the day, Modi visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Sarojini Nagar, Delhi, offering prayers to Lord Ganesha to mark the occasion. He said he prayed for the 'happiness, prosperity, and good health' of what he described as his 'family members across the country.' He also expressed gratitude to participants of the Seva Jyoti Yatra.
The Welcome and the Crowd
As Modi arrived at the venue, supporters greeted him with a shower of flowers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flags, chanting slogans including 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Modi ji ka swagat hai'. Many in the crowd used their phones to photograph the moment, underlining the event's significance as a rare political milestone.
A Leadership Arc of National Consequence
Modi's 25-year uninterrupted tenure spans state and federal government — a feat unprecedented in post-Independence India among elected executives. His years in office have been marked by expanded international engagement, India's growing role in the Global South, and stronger bilateral relations with major powers. The anniversary coincides with a period in which India holds an increasingly prominent position in global diplomacy, including leadership of multilateral forums.
As Modi enters his next chapter, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha signals an intent to anchor his remaining tenure to the 'Viksit Bharat' — or Developed India — vision he has placed at the heart of his third term.
Point of View
Through earthquakes, elections, and geopolitical shifts — is a political fact that demands more than ceremonial acknowledgement. The framing of 'servant of the people' at a mass rally organised by his own party is politically potent, but it also invites scrutiny: accountability to 'the people' must be demonstrated through institutions, not just optics. Notably, the event's name — Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha — signals that Modi intends the anniversary to serve forward-looking political purpose, not just retrospective celebration. How the 'Viksit Bharat' targets are measured and verified will ultimately define whether this milestone is remembered as a chapter of transformation or of aspiration.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 7 October 2026 significant for PM Modi?
On 7 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 consecutive years as head of government in India, a milestone that began when he was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister on exactly the same date in 2001. No other elected executive in post-Independence India has held continuous head-of-government office for as long.
What is the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha where Modi spoke?
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha is a large public gathering organised to mark Modi's 25 years in office and advance the government's 'Viksit Bharat' — or Developed India — vision. Modi used the platform to express gratitude to citizens and reaffirm his sense of responsibility toward the country.
How did Modi's political career begin 25 years ago?
Modi was chosen to replace Keshubhai Patel as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001, at a difficult time when the state was still recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing administrative challenges. He served as Chief Minister until 2014 before moving to national politics as Prime Minister.
What did PM Modi say at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha?
Modi said he 'bows his head' to the people of the country, calling them a form of God and crediting their trust as his greatest strength. He also thanked the BJP, NDA, and political colleagues, and described every citizen as having 'the greatest right' over him.
What did Modi do before addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha?
Earlier on 7 October 2026, Modi visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Sarojini Nagar, Delhi, to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha to mark 25 years in public office. He said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and good health of citizens he described as his 'family members across the country'.
