Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant political milestone on 7 October 2026, completing 25 consecutive years as head of a government — a journey that began when he was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001 and has continued uninterrupted through his tenure as Prime Minister since May 2014. The occasion prompted an outpouring of tributes from within the ruling establishment, led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

CM Yogi's tribute on X

In a post on X, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the milestone as 'a moment of immense joy for all of us,' crediting Modi with making 'From Public Service to National Service' the defining motto of his political life. 'The completion of 25 glorious years as Head of the Government by the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, who has made 'From Public Service to National Service' the motto of his life and remains ceaselessly dedicated to elevating India's identity, pride, and honour to new heights, is a moment of immense joy for all of us,' Yogi said in his post.

In a separate video message, Yogi said Modi's journey had enabled the country to 'witness a new Bharat, a Bharat we are all proud of, a Bharat that is safe, and a Bharat that has prepared itself to look the world in the eye.' He described the Prime Minister's 25-year record as reflecting 'an unwavering commitment to public service, resolute determination, visionary leadership, and the spirit of Nation First.'

The Union Cabinet's resolution

A day earlier, on Tuesday, the Union Cabinet passed a formal resolution congratulating Modi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government — an unusual institutional gesture that underscored the political significance the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attaches to the anniversary.

Modi's political journey: From Gujarat to New Delhi

Modi's rise through public office traces back to his organisational roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP. By 1987, he had become General Secretary of the BJP's Gujarat unit. Following the party's 1995 Gujarat Assembly victory, he was elevated to National Secretary and relocated to New Delhi, where he oversaw several northern states. In 1998, he was appointed BJP National General Secretary (Organisation), one of the party's most consequential internal posts.

His appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 came at a particularly testing moment — the state was still recovering from the catastrophic Bhuj earthquake and grappling with significant administrative and political challenges. He replaced Keshubhai Patel in that role, serving as Chief Minister until May 2014, when he moved to national leadership.

Governance record and development indicators

Over the 25-year period, governance under Modi has placed sustained emphasis on scheme implementation, technology integration, and digital public administration. The World Bank has noted substantial shifts in India's development indicators during this period, including a reported fall in extreme poverty from an estimated 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23, alongside measurable expansion in infrastructure and access to basic services.

India's international profile has also grown markedly, with the Modi government pursuing deeper diplomatic engagement, stronger ties with major powers, and a more assertive role for India within the Global South. This comes amid broader geopolitical shifts — including post-pandemic supply chain realignments and growing multipolarity — that have amplified India's strategic weight.

As tributes continue to pour in, the political focus will now turn to how the government frames the milestone — and whether the anniversary translates into a renewed policy push or remains a moment of consolidation ahead of the electoral cycle.