NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday reached the milestone of being the longest serving head of govt, which includes his tenure as Gujarat CM, drawing accolades from the governing NDA, with home minister Amit Shah describing it as a rare legacy built on unprecedented trust and unparalleled service.Till now, the feat was held by former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling who kept the seat for 8,930 days between Dec 1994 and May 2019. Officials noted that Modi has ticked the landmark in his 25th year as head of govt, an uninterrupted journey he began as Gujarat CM in Oct 2001, before taking over as PM in May 2014. PM Modi only leader after Nehru to notch three consecutive Lok Sabha victoriesPM Modi — who was the longest-serving Gujarat CM — is also the only PM apart from Jawaharlal Nehru to notch up three successive stints after leading his alliance to victory in as many Lok Sabha polls.Shah called it a milestone rooted in service, hardwork and unwavering commitment. It reflects a deep dedication to nation-first governance, integrity in action and tireless service to every citizen, he said. “Modi ji’s decades of seva have shaped an era of his own. Whether it is giving the poor their rights, setting new landmarks in development or enhancing the nation’s pride on global platforms, the Modi era has transformed India unrecognisably,” he said.He added serving the nation without taking a holiday for more than 24 years is the manifestation of his sheer commitment. “This explains the unprecedented affection he received from people, three times as Gujarat CM and three times as India’s PM. People’s trust, affection and support for him have only grown with every passing day,” he said.Defence minister Rajnath Singh said pure devotion to the nation and its people defines Modi. “From his unwavering commitment as CM of Gujarat to his dedicated leadership as the Prime Minister, his life has been a continuous journey of service,” he said.TDP neta and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu called it an extraordinary achievement that reflects Modi’s dedication, visionary leadership and tireless commitment to the progress and prosperity of country. “His vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 continues to inspire us all and guide India toward a brighter future,” he said.
