Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of various development projects in the Guwahati district of Assam on Friday, March 13, 2026. (IANS/PMO)
New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a historic milestone in Indian politics by becoming the longest-serving head of an elected government in the country.
With this, PM Modi has surpassed Pawan Kumar Chamling, who held office as Chief Minister of Sikkim for 8,930 days. He has now completed 8,931 days as head of government, combining his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat and as Prime Minister, thereby entering his 25th year in a leadership role.
The milestone is being seen as a rare and significant achievement, reflecting decades of uninterrupted public service and political leadership at the highest level.
Over the course of his career, PM Modi has set several notable records, including being the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat and the Prime Minister with the longest prior experience as a CM.
He is also the first Prime Minister of India to have been born after Independence and has secured victory in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019 and 2024, a feat that underscores political longevity and sustained public mandate.
Narendra Modi first assumed office as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, and continued in the role until May 21, 2014, leading the state for more than 13 years before moving to national politics.
He was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014, becoming the first non-Congress leader to secure a full majority in the Lok Sabha. He later became the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete two full terms in office and return for a third consecutive term.
In addition to this milestone, PM Modi has crossed several other significant benchmarks this year, particularly in the digital domain.
Earlier this month, he reached 30 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, strengthening his position as one of the most-followed global leaders on the platform.
With this, he currently leads among both serving and former heads of government in terms of subscriber base, remaining well ahead of other prominent international political figures.
In February, PM Modi also crossed 100 million followers on Instagram, becoming the first serving world leader and politician to achieve the milestone on the platform.
Since joining Instagram in 2014, his presence has steadily grown into one of the most active and widely followed accounts among global leaders, reflecting a sustained outreach strategy aimed at engaging audiences both within India and internationally. He is currently at 101 million followers on the social media platform.
On X, PM Modi has 106.4 million followers.
Powerful example of national service: Top BJP leaders on PM Modi becoming longest-serving head of govt
Top brass of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving head of government in India, hailing his "unwavering commitment" and taking the nation forward towards the resolution of Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi has surpassed Pawan Kumar Chamling, who held office as Chief Minister of Sikkim for 8,930 days.
He has completed 8,931 days as head of government, combining his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat and as the Prime Minister, thereby entering his 25th year in a key leadership role.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin took to X and lauded the Prime Minister's "continuous journey" for public welfare. He said that the 8931 days of public life of PM Modi "are not merely a political journey, but a powerful example of unwavering penance, sacrifice, and national service, where each day has been dedicated to the nation".
He said that as Gujarat's longest-serving Chief Minister, Narendra Modi established a "robust model of development and good governance" and as the Prime Minister, he transformed administration into an "effective instrument of change".
"During his tenure as Prime Minister, with the resolve of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', the country has made rapid progress in infrastructure expansion, the digital revolution, effective public welfare schemes, and the direction of Aatmanirbhar Bharat," Nabin said.
The BJP national chief lauded PM Modi's flagship initiatives -- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat scheme, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He also hailed the "historic public mandates" the NDA received in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections under PM Modi's leadership. He said that, by making this record, the Prime Minister "has set a new benchmark of dedication, stability, and continuity in public life".
Nabin also highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India's global stature has risen, and 'Viksit Bharat' has been established as a national campaign rooted in public participation.
As PM Modi reached this historic milestone, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda called it a "proud moment for the nation".
"From serving the people as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to leading the country to new heights as the Prime Minister, his journey has been truly inspiring. These years reflect his deep commitment to Maa Bharti and a constant focus on serving the people," Nadda said.
He stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is moving towards the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', driven by "people-centric policies that have empowered the poor, youth, women, and farmers".
"Today, India stands more confident and influential on the global stage," he said.
Calling it a "truly remarkable milestone" and "an inspiring journey of trust and Seva", Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kire Rijiju said that PM Modi becoming the longest-serving head of a government in India, by surpassing the previous record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling, "stands as a testament to tireless dedication, integrity and nation-first governance."
Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal also congratulated PM Modi on becoming the longest-serving head of government in India and said, "With 8,931 days in public life, first as Gujarat CM and now as the Prime Minister, his journey of Jan Seva reflects an unwavering commitment to inclusive development."
"Rooted in hard work and firm resolve towards nation-building, his years in public service continue to strengthen India's growth story," Goyal said, while calling on the countrymen to share their wishes and greetings through messages, selfies and stickers on the NaMo App.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, taking to X, said, "From being Gujarat's longest-serving CM to leading India as Prime Minister, his journey reflects enduring leadership and commitment to the nation. Congratulate the Prime Minister and send your wishes directly to him through messages, selfies and stickers via NaMo App."
"An extraordinary milestone -- defined by continuity, governance experience and sustained public trust," Minister of State (MoS) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said, congratulating the Prime Minister on achieving the historic milestone.
