PM Modi turns 76: CMs hail 25 years of public service on his birthday
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chief Ministers from across India on Thursday, 17 September 2026 extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he turned 76, with multiple state leaders marking the occasion by celebrating his 25 years of continuous public service and launching welfare initiatives in his honour.
Yogi Adityanath Launches Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was among the first to offer his wishes, describing Modi as a leader who has 'awakened a new consciousness of transformation' by making service his spiritual practice. On the occasion, Adityanath announced the launch of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' from Varanasi — the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency — calling it a tribute through action rather than words.
Adityanath also announced that in Lucknow, the 'Vishwakarma Self-Employment and Swadeshi Mela 2026' exhibition and margin money loan portal under the 'Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana 2.0' would be launched on the same day — coinciding with Vishwakarma Jayanti. Cheques and toolkits were to be distributed to beneficiaries of various state schemes. 'This journey of resolve through service, self-reliance through labour, and prosperity through swadeshi will give new momentum to the goal of Viksit Bharat,' Adityanath said.
Delhi CM Highlights Capital's Transformation
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a post on X, offered 'heartfelt birthday wishes' to the Prime Minister, pointing to what she described as his affection and guidance towards the national capital. 'Under your leadership, today the capital is moving forward with new momentum, new capabilities, and newfound confidence,' she wrote, adding that the city's landscape was changing with new facilities, opportunities, and aspirations for residents — from working women and youth to senior citizens and labourer families.
Other Chief Ministers Join the Chorus
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X, praised Modi as 'the unparalleled devotee of Mother India, ever dedicated to the welfare of the youth, farmers, and the poor.' Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recalled the Prime Minister's journey 'from the sacred soil of Vadnagar to becoming the helmsman of the world's largest democracy,' describing his 25-year record as 'a golden chapter of good governance, public welfare, and development.' Patel also highlighted the government's 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' mantra, citing cultural revival, digital development, modern infrastructure, and self-reliance in the defence sector.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Modi had made 'GYAN the foundation of national strength' and elevated India's self-confidence, adding that the dream of a 'Developed India' had become 'the vow of millions of fellow citizens.' Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma credited Modi with steering the nation for 25 years — first as head of government in Gujarat and subsequently at the Centre — and specifically highlighted the 'unprecedented emphasis' placed on Assam's development since 2014. West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also extended greetings, saying Modi's 'visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building continue to inspire millions across the globe.'
The Significance of 25 Years in Public Life
The birthday messaging across party lines — particularly from BJP chief ministers — underscores the political significance that the ruling establishment attaches to Modi's public service milestone. Modi assumed the Chief Ministership of Gujarat in 2001, marking the start of a quarter-century run in elected and governmental office. He has served as Prime Minister since May 2014, now into his third consecutive term. Notably, the simultaneous launch of welfare programmes in Uttar Pradesh on this date reflects the BJP's broader effort to translate political symbolism into visible ground-level activity.
What Comes Next
The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' launched from Varanasi and the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana 2.0 portal are expected to see formal rollouts in the coming weeks. Multiple state governments are anticipated to follow UP's lead in tying welfare scheme launches to the occasion as part of the broader Seva Pakhwada — a fortnight of service activities traditionally observed around the Prime Minister's birthday.