Modi makes history, becomes longest-serving head of government

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the longest-serving head of an elected government in India’s history, surpassing the record of Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served as Sikkim’s chief minister for over 24 years.

With 8,931 days in office, combining his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister, Modi moved past Chamling’s 8,930 days — marking a rare milestone in Indian politics that reflects nearly 25 years of uninterrupted leadership at the highest level.

The achievement places Modi among a small group of global leaders who have sustained political dominance across decades, underscoring both electoral success and long-term governance continuity, Indian media reports said.

Global context: Leaders with decades in power

• Lee Kuan Yew: Served 31 years (1959–1990) as Prime Minister; key architect of modern Singapore

• Hun Sen: Held office for nearly 38 years (1985–2023) before stepping down

• Sheikh Hasina: Among the longest-serving elected leaders, with multiple consecutive terms since 2009

• Angela Merkel: Served 16 years (2005–2021) as one of Europe’s most influential leaders

• Narendra Modi :8,931 days (24+ years) as head of government (Gujarat CM + PM), among the longest continuous tenures in a major democracy

Modi’s journey as head of government began on October 7, 2001, when he took oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Over the next 13 years, he established himself as the state’s longest-serving chief minister before moving to national politics in 2014.

On May 26, 2014, Modi was sworn in as India’s Prime Minister, leading a majority government. He has since secured three consecutive Lok Sabha victories — in 2014, 2019 and 2024 — cementing his position as one of the most dominant political figures in contemporary India.

His tenure is marked not only by longevity but also by several political firsts. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister born after Independence and the first non-Congress leader to complete two full terms and return for a third with a majority mandate.

Modi’s key milestones and records

• 8,931 days in office as head of government (Gujarat CM + PM)

• Surpassed Pawan Kumar Chamling’s 8,930-day record

• First Prime Minister born after Independence

• Longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014)

• Three consecutive Lok Sabha wins: 2014, 2019, 2024

• First non-Congress PM to complete two full terms and return for a third

• Entered 25th year in executive office in 2025

• Among the most-followed global leaders on social media

Reflecting on his journey, Modi has often spoken about taking charge during “very testing circumstances” in Gujarat, recalling the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, recurring droughts and political instability. He has said these challenges shaped his approach to governance and strengthened his resolve to rebuild the state.

Over the years, he has highlighted Gujarat’s transformation during his tenure, describing it as a shift from a drought-prone and economically strained region into a “powerhouse of good governance,” with gains in agriculture, industry and infrastructure.

Beyond government

At the national level, the Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasised welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion and economic growth as key pillars of his administration. He has said that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty over the past decade, while India has emerged as a key growth engine among major global economies.

Marking 25 years in public office as head of government last year, Modi expressed gratitude to citizens, saying that serving the nation remains his highest honour. He has also reiterated his commitment to building a “Viksit Bharat,” guided by constitutional values.

Beyond governance, Modi’s influence extends strongly into the digital sphere. He is among the most-followed global leaders across platforms, with over 100 million followers on Instagram, more than 30 million YouTube subscribers and over 106 million followers on X, reflecting a sustained outreach strategy.

Reacting to the milestone, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Prime Minister, describing his journey as one defined by “devotion to the nation and its people” and a continuous commitment to public service.

The record — spanning state and national leadership — highlights Modi’s enduring political relevance and ability to maintain public support over nearly a quarter century, making it one of the most significant milestones in India’s democratic history.