Dr. Jitendra Singh attends puja at Connaught Place temple for PM Modi's record tenure
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh attended a special puja-archana (prayer ceremony) at the ancient Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, New Delhi, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's distinction as India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister.
Context
Dr. Jitendra Singh shared the occasion on social media, writing in Hindi: 'Pooja-archana ka aayojan, Bharat ke Mananiya Pradhanmantri Shri Narendra Modi ji ke desh ke sabse lambe samay tak seva dene wale nirvachit Pradhanmantri banne ke upalakshya mein' — translated as, 'A prayer ceremony was organised to mark the occasion of India's respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of the country.' The event was held at the ancient Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, one of central New Delhi's most prominent religious sites, frequently associated with public ceremonies by political figures.
The minister added that prayers were offered for the 'continuous progress, prosperity, and public welfare of the nation under his leadership.' The post was tagged with the hashtag #LongestServingElectedPMModi.
Policy Backdrop
Narendra Modi first assumed office as Prime Minister in May 2014 after leading the Bharatiya Janata Party to a decisive majority in the general election. He was subsequently re-elected in 2019 and again in 2024, making his cumulative tenure the longest of any elected Prime Minister in independent India's history.
The Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place holds cultural and historical significance in the capital, and has served as a backdrop for ceremonial observances by leaders across parties over the decades. The choice of this particular venue underscores the blend of religious tradition and political symbolism that has characterised such milestone events.
Stakeholders and Impact
The ceremony was attended in the context of a broader pattern of public celebration by ministers and party functionaries marking leadership milestones since 2014. Such events at established Delhi temples serve dual purposes: cultural observance rooted in Hindu tradition, and a visible affirmation of continuity in governance messaging.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also serves as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and the Department of Personnel and Training, is among the senior members of the Union Council of Ministers who publicly marked the occasion. The post also tagged @p_sahibsingh, suggesting participation from other public figures or officials.
What's Next
Such ceremonial acknowledgements are likely to be accompanied by formal government communications, parliamentary references, or official statements highlighting PM Modi's cumulative years in office during the current Lok Sabha term. As the tenure milestone gains wider recognition, further commemorative events and policy retrospectives are expected from the ruling dispensation in the weeks ahead.