New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history, terming the achievement a testament to the enduring trust reposed in his leadership by the people of India and his relentless pursuit of inclusive development and good governance.

“Congratulations to Shri Narendra Modi Ji on becoming the longest serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history, completing 4,399 days in office. A tireless Karmayogi guided by the principle of Nation First, his tenure reflects unwavering dedication to India, steadfast commitment to the welfare of its people, and transformative leadership in service of the nation”, Rajnath Singh said in a post on X.

“This achievement is a testament to the enduring trust reposed in his leadership by the people of India and his relentless pursuit of inclusive development and good governance. Over the past twelve years, India has made remarkable progress in development and global leadership, while also experiencing a civilisational reawakening that has made the nation more confident, self-assured, and rooted in its heritage,” he added.

“As India advances towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, PM Shri Modi continues to lead the nation towards greater prosperity, progress, and global prominence,” he said.

PM Modi on Wednesday became India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, marking 12 years at the helm of the Central government.

He crossed former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s record with 4,399 days in office as an elected Prime Minister. Nehru’s tenure from 1952 onwards is considered for this comparison, as he headed an interim government between 1947 and 1952 before the country’s first general elections were held.

While former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for more than 14 years in office, her tenure was not continuous, making Modi the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister in the country’s history. He has served from his first swearing-in ceremony in 2014 to securing successive mandates in 2019 and a historic third consecutive term in 2024.

The PM Modi-led government’s era has also been marked by a series of high-profile infrastructure and nation-building projects, including the new Parliament building, Central Vista redevelopment, Kartavya Path, Vande Bharat trains, the Statue of Unity, INS Vikrant, the Kashmir rail link, Noida International Airport, Namo Bharat RRTS, and the Ganga Expressway.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will hold a crucial meeting in the national capital on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of 12 years of the NDA government at the Centre and to mark the occasion.

–IANS

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