PM Narendra Modi who earlier headed the Gujarat government as the chief minister has become one of the longest serving heads of an elected government as he enters the 20th year in office. In a tweet, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become one of the longest serving head of an elected government in the world. It is a matter of great pride for every Indian. May he get all the strength so that India and the world grow prosperous with peace and sustainability.”
Ravi Shankar’s tweet goes on to compare PM Modi with some of the world leaders, including former US Presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Franklin Roosevelt and late UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher among others.
Several other BJP leaders and ministers also took to Twitter to celebrate the ‘20th year of NaMo’.
Before being elected as the Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat for 13 years starting 2001. He has now entered the 7th year as the Prime Minister of India.
In an article in Indian Express, BJP president JP Nadda describes Narendra Modi as someone who has “never lost an election as the head of a government and taken on a national role as Prime Minister”.
In a tweet, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said, “Uninterrupted power supply, agricultural reforms, industrial growth, steps to promote girl education. Shri Narendra Modi transformed Gujarat in more than one way. Now under his leadership as Hon'ble PM, our India is transforming into New India.”
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has said, “PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has been working tirelessly for cause of India. Opposition banter has not stopped him, neither has criticism dented his determination in serving mother India. His Family of 130 cr. Indians trusts him & his resolve is as strong as ever.”
Modi’s second and current stint as Prime Minister has been the most happening as he has delivered several poll promises, the latest being the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya ending decades of litigation and communal strife. The PM laid the foundation stone for the temple on August 5 this year, fulfilling the promise the party had been making through legal means. The temple construction followed the repeal of Article 370 and banning the practice of triple talaq, which the ruling party considers a major social reform and also reflects that the party feels concerned about all sections of the society.
“Prime Minister has ensured that the election manifesto should be adopted as a vision document for governance and promises made during the polls should be taken seriously and must be delivered,” said a senior party leader.
Although his tenure has witnessed delivery of several poll promises, some of the NDA partners’ exit from the alliance could be a cause of worry for the BJP leadership even as the party has won the last two general elections convincingly. “Passage of the farm bill cost the alliance hugely as an old ally Shromani Akali Dal walked out. However, the PM was firm on his decision that the move was crucial to empower farmers and double farmers’ income by 2024,” said a BJP leader. Modi had taken over as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 soon after the state was devastated after the Bhuj earthquake. However, several moves taken by him like the “Vibrant Gujarat” event played a crucial role in restructuring of the state.
Later the state became self-sufficient on several fronts, including the power production after which the “Gujarat Model” term for development gained popularity, playing a key role in Modi’’s country-wide popularity after which the BJP announced him as prime ministerial candidate in 2013.
