Leaders hail Modi as he completes 25 years as head of government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday completed 25 years as head of government, drawing praise from BJP leaders and allies who credited his leadership with driving development, expanding welfare delivery and shaping India's political trajectory.

Modi has served continuously as head of government since October 7, 2001, when he became Gujarat chief minister. He went on to serve three terms in the state before becoming prime minister in 2014 and subsequently winning three Lok Sabha elections.

BJP president Nitin Nabin described the 25-year journey as an "unforgettable" chapter of continuous struggle and said Modi's rise marked a departure from the way previous prime ministers had emerged.

Nabin said the 2014 Lok Sabha election was the first in which a prime ministerial candidate was presented directly to voters as the principal face of the campaign and received a mandate from the electorate.

Referring to former President Pranab Mukherjee's account of the 2014 election, Nabin described it as a "tectonic shift". He said Modi had neither a political dynasty nor an inherited legacy and rose through organisational experience and public support.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also praised Modi's record.

Radhakrishnan said Modi had turned the vision of inclusive development into a nationwide mission guided by "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas". He highlighted improvements in connectivity, digital advancement and opportunities, and credited Modi's leadership with lifting 25 crore people out of extreme poverty.

Birla said the resolve for a "Developed India" had become the aspiration of crores of citizens, adding that expectations from the country were rising under Modi's leadership.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described India as fortunate to have the "right leader, at the right time, in the right place".

Congratulating Modi, Naidu said the country was progressing towards the "Viksit Bharat@2047" vision and highlighted development, investment, infrastructure and opportunities under the "double-engine" government in Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu also said his 48 years in public life had reinforced one lesson: "leadership matters". He credited India with maintaining stability despite the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change.

In Bengaluru, BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa described Modi's "Antyodaya" philosophy of elevating everyone as an inspiration for party workers.

Yediyurappa said Modi's 25 years of public service, including nearly 13 years as Gujarat chief minister and 12 years as prime minister, were unparalleled.

He said Modi had viewed politics not as a path to power but as an opportunity to serve people and called on BJP workers to strengthen personal contact with citizens.