Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in New Delhi as he marks 25 years at the helm of government. (Images: X)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years at the helm of government, reflecting on a political journey that began with his appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and later took him to the Prime Minister’s Office. Addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’ in New Delhi, Modi recalled his years in public service, credited the people and India’s democratic institutions for his journey and reiterated his commitment to building a developed India by 2047.
In one of the key messages of his address, Modi said his public life had been guided by a larger mission rather than personal political ambition. He stressed that positions, prestige and power were secondary when compared with national service. Modi also said his focus remained on karma and duty, describing public service as his responsibility towards the country.
Modi began his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He went on to become one of India's longest-serving elected heads of government, before making the transition to national politics. The BJP-led NDA secured a decisive mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, paving the way for Modi to become Prime Minister. He subsequently secured two more mandates and is currently serving his third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
Reflecting on his electoral journey, Modi said voters had repeatedly given him the opportunity to serve, whether in state Assembly elections or Lok Sabha polls. He paid tribute to India's democracy and Constitution, saying the people's mandate had remained central to his public life. He also reflected on setbacks and criticism, saying difficult experiences had helped him develop the ability to recover and move forward.
The Prime Minister said every experience in his life had offered a lesson, including events that may initially have appeared difficult or disappointing. He emphasised the importance of learning from challenges and remaining focused on one's responsibilities rather than dwelling on setbacks.
During the address, Modi also made an indirect reference to political opponents, arguing that Indian society had at times been divided along voting lines for political purposes. Without naming specific parties or leaders he called for a broader national focus and urged people to look beyond electoral calculations.
Reiterating one of the central goals of his government, Modi said India would fulfil the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He called for setting ambitious national targets and maintaining a long-term focus on India's development. The 25-year milestone therefore became both a moment of reflection for the Prime Minister and an occasion to renew his emphasis on national service, development and the Viksit Bharat vision.
Modi's journey at the head of government began in Gujarat in 2001. Thirteen years later, he moved to the national stage after the BJP-led NDA won the 2014 general election. His subsequent victories in 2019 and 2024 enabled him to continue as Prime Minister, marking three consecutive terms at the country's highest elected executive office.
As Modi marked 25 years in government, his central message remained focused on duty, service and the goal of a developed India by 2047.
