Karnataka BJP marks Modi's 12 years as longest-serving elected PM with temple prayers
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders across Karnataka on Wednesday, 10 June offered special prayers at multiple temples in Bengaluru to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office — a milestone that makes him the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India's history.
Key Ceremonies Across Bengaluru
A prominent puja was held at the Sri Kadu Malleshwara Temple in Malleswaram, attended by State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka In-charge Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, State BJP Co-In-charge Sudhakar Reddy, former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan, and State BJP Vice-President Murugesh Nirani, among other legislators and party workers.
Earlier the same morning, prayers were conducted at the Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple in Seshadripuram Ward, with Agrawal, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda in attendance.
Prayers Inside Vidhana Soudha Premises
Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, offered special prayers to Sri Muneshwara Swamy at the temple within the Vidhana Soudha premises. Ashoka also distributed sweets to government staff and police personnel on duty, adding a symbolic public-welfare dimension to the occasion.
What BJP Leaders Said
Speaking to reporters, R. Ashoka said: 'Through the special prayers at the Muneshwara Temple, we celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in office. He has made immense contributions to the country. Today, India enjoys a special place in the world, and the Prime Minister's leadership has played a key role in achieving that.'
Ashoka further noted that Modi had, in his view, safeguarded national interests amid challenges from neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh. 'The world appreciates his diplomacy and regards him as a global leader. We prayed for his good health and long life,' he said.
He also highlighted what he described as the Prime Minister's welfare initiatives and record-setting contributions during his tenure, adding: 'Congratulations are pouring in from all corners of the world.'
Significance of the 12-Year Mark
Modi first assumed office on 26 May 2014, completing his 12th year in office in May 2026. The BJP has positioned this milestone as a historic one, framing Modi as a leader who has steered India to greater global standing. This comes amid continued opposition from the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, making the public celebrations by state BJP leaders a pointed political statement on the party's home turf.
Notably, the coordinated nature of the temple events — spanning multiple locations across Bengaluru on the same day — reflects a deliberate organisational effort by the Karnataka BJP to amplify the occasion at the grassroots level.