New Delhi, Oct 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years of continuous service as the head of a government, expressing gratitude to the people of India and saying their trust has placed the greatest responsibility on his shoulders.
Addressing a large gathering at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, Modi recalled his journey from becoming Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, to serving three consecutive terms as Prime Minister.
“I bow my head and pay my respects to the people of the country. Be it the Assembly or the Lok Sabha elections, people have chosen me for their service for 25 years,” Modi said, while also paying tribute to India’s democratic institutions and the Constitution.
‘People Are Also a Form of God’
Modi said he had never imagined, when he took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, that he would reach the milestone of completing 25 years as head of a government.
He credited the continued support of citizens, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the NDA and his political colleagues for the journey.
“For me, the people are also a form of God. The trust of lakhs and crores of countrymen and the hard work of lakhs of workers have always been my greatest strength,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the country had given him immense responsibility and that every citizen had a right over him.
“The country has given me so much. Therefore, my responsibility towards the country is also the greatest,” he said.
Modi Recalls 2001 Gujarat Beginning
Modi began his tenure as head of a government on October 7, 2001, when he was appointed Gujarat Chief Minister, succeeding Keshubhai Patel.
He assumed office at a challenging period for Gujarat, which was recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing political and administrative difficulties.
Modi remained Gujarat Chief Minister until 2014, when he moved to national politics after leading the BJP to victory in the Lok Sabha elections.
He subsequently became Prime Minister and has since completed three terms in office.
Welcomed With Slogans, Flowers
As Modi arrived at the event, supporters welcomed him with flowers and BJP flags while raising slogans including ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and welcoming the Prime Minister.
Several people were also seen recording his arrival on their mobile phones.
Earlier in the day, Modi visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar, where he offered prayers and sought blessings on the completion of 25 years in public office.
He said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country, whom he described as members of his extended family.
Modi also expressed his gratitude to participants of the Seva Jyoti Yatra.
Over the past 25 years, his political journey has also coincided with a more prominent international profile for India, with the government placing greater emphasis on diplomatic engagement, relations with major global powers and India’s role in the Global South.
