Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, June 11, 2026, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, calling it a moment of pride for all of Gujarat. Patel shared a video of grand celebrations held in Vadnagar — Modi's birthplace in Mehsana district — to mark the historic milestone.

Writing in Gujarati, Patel described Modi as 'vishwana sarvadhik lokpriya rajneta' (the world's most popular statesman) and a 'sapoot' (worthy son) of the 'pavan dhara' (sacred soil) of Vadnagar. He wrote: 'The pride of this historic achievement belongs to all of Gujarat.'

Context

Narendra Modi was first sworn in as Prime Minister on 26 May 2014 and began a second consecutive term on 30 May 2019. Before leading the country, he served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 2001 to May 2014 — a tenure of over twelve years. The combination of his state and national service makes him one of India's longest-serving elected executives at the highest levels of government.

The milestone of becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister places Modi ahead of predecessors in terms of uninterrupted electoral mandates at the national level. Bhupendra Patel, who has led Gujarat since September 2021, was among the first state leaders to publicly mark the occasion.

Celebrations in Vadnagar

The town of Vadnagar, situated in Mehsana district of northern Gujarat, was decorated elaborately for the occasion. Patel described the atmosphere as 'divya' (divine), with residents gathering near the historic Sharmishtha Lake for a Maha Aarti — a large ceremonial prayer ritual — conducted for Modi's long life and good health.

The chant of 'Jai Hatkesh' — an invocation of Hatkeshwar Mahadev, the presiding deity of Vadnagar — resonated through the celebrations, according to Patel's post. The hashtag #LongestServingElectedPMModi accompanied the post, signalling a coordinated messaging effort around the milestone.

Policy Backdrop

Vadnagar has gained increasing national and cultural prominence since 2014, with the town's association with Modi driving heritage tourism initiatives and archaeological excavations at the site. The BJP's state and central leadership have consistently linked Modi's national record to his Gujarati roots as part of a broader political identity narrative.

Celebrations in Vadnagar during key milestones of Modi's tenure have become a recurring feature since his first election as Prime Minister. Local administrations have organised public events, illuminations, and religious ceremonies on such occasions, reinforcing the town's symbolic status within the party's political messaging.

Stakeholders and Impact

The celebrations drew participation from residents of Vadnagar and surrounding areas of Mehsana district, as well as BJP workers and supporters across Gujarat. For the state's ruling party, the milestone offers an opportunity to consolidate its narrative of governance continuity and electoral success ahead of future electoral cycles.

For Vadnagar specifically, the recurring spotlight reinforces ongoing interest in the town's heritage infrastructure. Gujarat's government has in recent years invested in developing Vadnagar as a cultural and tourist destination, and high-profile events of this nature sustain that momentum.

What's Next

Formal confirmation of the exact date and record from constitutional or parliamentary authorities would lend official weight to the milestone. Observers will watch for any central government announcements or cultural project launches tied to Vadnagar in the coming weeks. The BJP's state unit is expected to continue public outreach around the record as part of its political calendar in Gujarat.