Surpasses Nehru's Record After 4,399 Days in Office

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday crossed a significant political milestone, becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister by completing 4,399 days in office. The landmark comes as the Modi government marks 12 years in power, with the Prime Minister scheduled to address NDA allies later in the day.

Modi was sworn in for his first term on May 26, 2014. His continuous tenure has now edged past the record held by Jawaharlal Nehru, who served 4,398 days as elected Prime Minister after the country’s first general elections.

Record Set Amid NDA Celebrations

An important meeting of the NDA parliamentary party is underway at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Chief ministers, deputy chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, and alliance partners are attending. A congratulatory resolution is expected to be passed acknowledging Modi’s achievement.

Discussions are also likely to focus on the roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047, better Centre-state coordination, and accelerating development projects. Senior BJP leaders described the occasion as a proud moment for the party and the nation.

Nehru’s Tenure in Context

After Independence, Nehru served as Prime Minister from August 15, 1947, to May 13, 1952, initially by appointment. Following the 1952 elections, he continued until his death in May 1964. The comparison between the two leaders has drawn mixed reactions. While many in the ruling alliance hailed Modi’s record, Congress leader Kuldeep Singh Rathore called any direct comparison “neither logical nor justified,” citing Nehru’s role as a freedom fighter and the challenges of the post-Independence era.

Tributes Pour In from Allies and Abroad

Leaders across the NDA were quick to congratulate the Prime Minister. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal, and Jagat Prakash Nadda praised Modi’s “transformative leadership” and dedication to national service. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the 12-year period historic for welfare schemes and governance reforms.

International messages of appreciation also arrived. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape — who once described Modi as a “role model” — extended congratulations.

Key Milestones of 12 Years

During Modi’s tenure, India has witnessed several landmark initiatives. These include the launch of Digital India, GST rollout, abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the construction of the new Parliament building. Major security operations such as the surgical strikes and Balakot airstrike were also carried out. In 2025, India became the world’s fourth-largest economy, overtaking Japan.

The government’s COVID-19 vaccination drive administered over 220 crore doses, while programmes like Mann Ki Baat and Pariksha Pe Charcha became popular platforms for direct public engagement. Modi has undertaken around 100 foreign visits and received the highest civilian honours from 31 countries.

Ground Realities and Challenges

Not all decisions sailed smoothly. The three farm laws, introduced in 2020, were withdrawn in 2021 following prolonged protests. An earlier land acquisition ordinance was also allowed to lapse amid opposition.

The BJP’s organisational footprint has grown significantly under Modi, expanding from governing 8 states in 2014 to 22 states and Union Territories by 2026. Party membership has crossed 14 crore. However, the 2024 Lok Sabha results, where the BJP fell short of a majority on its own, have prompted questions about future electoral strategy and leadership transition.

Looking Ahead to 2029 and Beyond

As the NDA meeting deliberates on the path forward, attention is turning to the 2029 general elections and the long-term vision for Viksit Bharat. Senior leaders and state chief ministers are expected to focus on improving ease of living and accelerating development projects.

Political observers note that while Modi remains the central figure, the coming years may test the party’s ability to nurture second-generation leadership at the national level. For now, the focus remains on celebrating the milestone and reinforcing governance priorities.