New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi marking over 24 years of leadership in an elected capacity, Akhilesh Mishra, CEO of BlueKraft Digital Foundation—an influential think tank—remarked that this milestone signifies a unique democratic affirmation sustained through various elections.

In a post shared on X, Mishra emphasized that in a highly competitive democracy like India, maintaining a long tenure in power is not something that is simply given; it must be repeatedly earned through public trust.

“In a fiercely competitive democracy like India, longevity in power is not gifted. It is earned, election after election, verdict after verdict,” Mishra stated.

He underscored the importance of this milestone by noting that Narendra Modi has served as the head of an elected government for over 8,900 days—first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and then as the Prime Minister—thus exceeding the tenure of former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

Mishra pointed out that such enduring leadership is rare in democracies worldwide, where even the most popular leaders often experience fluctuations in power. He remarked that India’s historically dominant leaders did not achieve this level of long-term political presence.

Moreover, Mishra asserted that Modi’s tenure is notable not only for its length but also for the significant mandate that has been reaffirmed through consecutive elections.

Reflecting on Modi’s governance in Gujarat, he mentioned that the period beginning in 2001, following the Bhuj earthquake, transformed into a comprehensive governance model that prioritized infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial development.

He highlighted that Gujarat’s Gross State Domestic Product grew 16 times from 2002 to 2023, with manufacturing constituting nearly 44 percent of the state’s economy. Additionally, agriculture in Gujarat achieved an annual growth rate of approximately 8 percent, far exceeding the national average.

Mishra further contended that one of Modi’s significant political achievements has been the transition from a traditional anti-incumbency narrative to what he termed “performance-based pro-incumbency.”

He also referenced key national developments during Modi’s administration, including the enhancement of digital public infrastructure such as UPI, the expansion of electronics manufacturing, and a remarkable increase in defense exports.

Calling the milestone significant, Mishra concluded that Modi’s leadership journey embodies not just political longevity but also a broader evolution in governance and public aspirations in India.