New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday set a new national record, becoming the longest-serving head of an elected government in India. His combined tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the Prime Minister of India has now surpassed the long-standing record held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
As of Sunday, PM Modi completed 8,931 days in a constitutional post, breaking Chamling’s record of 8,930 consecutive days as the head of a state government. Chamling served as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for an uninterrupted 25 years, from 1994 to 2019, a remarkable feat in Indian politics.
A Tale of Two Tenures
Prime Minister Modi’s extensive career in public office is divided into two significant phases. His political journey as a head of government began on October 7, 2001, when he took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He led the state for nearly 13 years until May 2014.
The second phase of his career began after a historic victory in the 2014 general elections, when he was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India. He has since continued in this role, securing victories in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The cumulative duration of these two tenures has now established this new milestone.
A Career of Milestones
This is not the only record to PM Modi’s name. He already holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat. Furthermore, he is the first Prime Minister of India to have been born after the country gained independence in 1947. His birth year is 1950.
His leadership has also been marked by three consecutive electoral victories at the national level, a feat achieved by few in India’s political history. Many leaders have noted that he arrived in Delhi as one of the most experienced Prime Ministers, having previously managed a large state like Gujarat for over a decade.
Leaders Extend Congratulations
Senior political leaders congratulated the Prime Minister on this achievement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to the social media platform X to extend his wishes.
“Narendra Modi’s entire life has been dedicated to the service of the country and its people. This journey, from the Chief Minister of Gujarat to the Prime Minister of the country, is one of service, integrity, and putting the nation first.” — Rajnath Singh
The new record underscores a significant chapter in India’s political landscape, highlighting a long and continuous period of electoral trust placed in a single leader across both state and national levels.
