12 years and counting: NDA leaders felicitate PM Modi as he trumps Nehru's tenure record

Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years in office and becoming India's longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister.

The NDA's celebratory event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other Union Cabinet ministers. Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states were also present at the event.

Historic milestone

Prime Minister Modi has crossed the historic milestone of 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the previous record of 4,398 days held by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

While Nehru served as Prime Minister for more than 16 years, he held office before the first general elections of 1951-52 and was not a continuously 'elected' Prime Minister during that period.

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Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi also served in office for more than 14 years, but her tenure was not 'continuous.'

'Commitment to good governance'

Earlier in the day, officials of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) congratulated Modi on achieving the milestone.

"Over the last twelve years, he has provided leadership characterised by stability, transparency and a steadfast commitment to good governance," the PMO said in a statement.

The Union Cabinet also passed a resolution congratulating the Prime Minister on the achievement. Cabinet members gave him a standing ovation during the meeting.

Congratulations pour in from around the world

World leaders also congratulated PM Modi on the occasion.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her wishes through a post on X, highlighting the strong ties between India and Italy. She recalled her recent bilateral meeting with Modi in Rome and described it as a reflection of the growing partnership between the two countries.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also congratulated Modi, describing his 12 years in office as a "testament to decades of dedicated public service."

A day earlier, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed the greetings of the Sri Lankan people in an official letter. He wrote, "This milestone is a testament not only to your years in office, but also to the trust and confidence that the people of the world's largest democracy have repeatedly placed in your leadership."

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape praised Modi as a "role model and an example of leadership." He highlighted India's development achievements, noting that more than 200 million people had been lifted out of poverty during the country's recent growth trajectory.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also extended his congratulations, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed confidence in stronger India-Canada relations under continued engagement.

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also lauded Modi's leadership and India's growing global influence.

'PM Modi's work will be etched in golden letters'

Several Union ministers and NDA leaders praised Modi's leadership and achievements over the past 12 years.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister's contributions would be "etched in golden letters" in India's history.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Modi's leadership had reshaped the country's trajectory.

"Today, as he becomes India's longest-serving Prime Minister, we celebrate not merely a record, but a period of transformation that has touched every corner of the nation," Naidu said.

Leaders also highlighted major governance reforms undertaken during Modi's tenure, saying they had contributed to greater efficiency, transparency and stability in the functioning of government.