Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 October 2026 completed 25 consecutive years as head of government — a milestone he marked by attending the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in New Delhi, where he credited the trust of ordinary citizens as the foundation of his political journey. The occasion traces back to 7 October 2001, when Modi was sworn in as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

What Modi Said at the Gathering

Addressing a large gathering that welcomed him with flower showers, BJP flags, and chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Modi ji ka swagat hai', the Prime Minister reflected on the arc of his public life. "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," he said. "Today marks my 25th consecutive year as Head of Government. This is evidence of continued blessings of the public."

He also paid tribute to India's democratic tradition: "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."

People as His Strength — and His Responsibility

Modi framed the milestone explicitly in terms of obligation, not celebration. "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," he said. He added: "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."

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Delhi's Sarojini Nagar to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, saying he prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and good health of his "family members across the country." He also expressed gratitude to participants of the Seva Jyoti Yatra.

How the 25-Year Journey Began

In October 2001, Modi was chosen to replace Keshubhai Patel as Gujarat Chief Minister at a particularly difficult moment — the state was still recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing significant administrative and political challenges. He went on to serve as Chief Minister until 2014, before entering national politics.

His transition to the Centre brought three consecutive terms as Prime Minister, a run with no modern parallel in Indian democratic history. Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have remained the institutional vehicles for this unbroken stretch of leadership.

India's Expanded Global Role

Modi's tenure has also been defined by a sharply elevated international profile for India. According to reports, the government has pursued deeper diplomatic engagement, strengthened ties with major powers, and positioned India as a leading voice for the Global South at forums including the G20 and BRICS.

What This Milestone Signals

Twenty-five years of uninterrupted governance — across two distinct constitutional roles — is a rare marker in any democracy. As Modi begins the next phase of his third term, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha gathering underscored that the political brand remains tightly fused with a narrative of popular trust. How that trust translates into deliverables on jobs, inflation, and social equity will define the legacy chapters still being written.