Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, shared an article by former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda that reflects on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extended tenure in office, calling it a 'thoughtful reflection on the milestones achieved and the vision that continues to shape a stronger, more confident India.'

Context

The article by Devegowda, who served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997 and leads the Janata Dal (Secular) party, is notable for its cross-party character — a regional party patriarch acknowledging the governance record of a rival political formation. Rijiju described it as a piece that 'captures the significance' of Modi's tenure, framing the post under the hashtag #12YearsOfSeva (12 Years of Service).

Narendra Modi first assumed office as Prime Minister in May 2014 following the BJP-led NDA's Lok Sabha victory. He was subsequently re-elected for a second term in 2019 and a third consecutive term in 2024, making his continuous tenure one of the longest in independent India's parliamentary history.

Policy Backdrop

The #12YearsOfSeva campaign reflects the BJP's sustained effort to document and communicate governance milestones across infrastructure, welfare, and foreign policy since 2014. The ruling party has periodically used anniversary markers to consolidate its political narrative around continuity and development.

Cross-party acknowledgements of the kind Devegowda's article represents are relatively rare in India's polarised political environment. Rijiju's decision to amplify the piece signals the BJP's intent to use such commentary as evidence of broad-based recognition of Modi's record beyond its own voter base.

Stakeholders and Impact

Devegowda's JD(S) has had a complex relationship with the BJP, including a state-level alliance in Karnataka in recent electoral cycles. His commentary therefore carries political weight beyond a simple tribute, potentially influencing perceptions among voters in southern and regional political constituencies.

For parliamentary stakeholders, the timing of this post — ahead of what observers expect to be a contentious monsoon session — places governance achievements at the centre of the political conversation. Opposition parties are likely to respond with counter-narratives on legislative and economic performance.

What's Next

Reactions from opposition benches in Parliament are anticipated as the monsoon session approaches, with rival parties expected to contest the framing of Modi's tenure as a benchmark. The #12YearsOfSeva campaign is likely to intensify across social media platforms and public events in the coming weeks, with more BJP leaders and allied voices expected to amplify similar commentary.

Whether other former Prime Ministers or senior opposition figures add their voices to this conversation will shape the broader political narrative around governance and democratic accountability heading into the next legislative calendar.