"Trust of Millions of Indians My Greatest Strength": PM Modi on 25 Years in Public Office

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attributed his 25 years as head of government to the faith of the people, as he addressed the "Seva Jyoti" programme at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

He bowed to the people of the country and thanked colleagues across the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "This is the result of the continuous blessings of the people—Janardan," he said.

"I express my gratitude to all political colleagues of the BJP, NDA, and all those who hold immense reverence for democracy. I bow my head in obeisance at the feet of the nation's people."

"NEVER IMAGINED THIS MILESTONE"

Modi recalled his first oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, when he had never held an elected post. "I never imagined that this milestone would also come," he said. "Today, I have completed 25 years of continuously serving as Head of the Government."

He said public trust has guided his governance. "Wherever I am today, whatever position I hold, the greatest contribution belongs to the people. The trust of millions of Indians and the hard work of countless party workers have always been my greatest strength," he said.

The event, which was also billed as a "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha," brought together party workers, leaders and dignitaries to celebrate his unbroken tenure in office. That includes multiple consecutive terms as Chief Minister of Gujarat and three terms as Prime Minister since 2014.

The programme was organised by the Delhi unit of the BJP. NDA leaders who joined included Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union minister Chirag Paswan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi offered prayers and performed aarti at the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Sarojini Nagar, praying for the well-being of the country's 140 crore people, according to Business Today. In a post on X, he said he bowed to the 140 crore Indians for their trust and looked forward to serving the nation with greater commitment.

A MONTH OF CELEBRATIONS

The programme is part of the BJP's Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, a month of service and outreach activities running from September 17, Modi's 76th birthday, to October 17. The campaign includes blood donation drives, rallies and exhibitions.

On October 2, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended a theatrical presentation titled "Namo Seva Ankahi Kahaniyan" marking the 25 years. Modi is scheduled to attend another programme at Pusa on October 10.

On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating Modi on 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government. It traces his path from Gujarat to Delhi and lists achievements in welfare, reform, technology, security and foreign policy. The figures in the resolution are the government's own claims.

THE 25 YEARS

Modi first took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, replacing Keshubhai Patel. He held the post for over 12 years before becoming Prime Minister in May 2014. He has led the BJP to victory in the 2014, 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In March 2026, he passed the record for the longest continuous period as head of an elected government in India, counting his Gujarat and prime-ministerial tenures together.

With inputs from ANI