New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) Former president Ram Nath Kovind, ex-vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, JD-U supremo Nitish Kumar and other senior leaders have complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming the longest continuously serving PM of India and said this marks a special occasion in the history of the country’s post-independence.
In articles written in leading dailies, Kovind, Naidu, Kumar, former union minister Karan Singh and BJP President Nitin Nabin also said that despite constant political contestation and intense public scrutiny, Modi has continued to enjoy the confidence of the people and set a new benchmark in democratic politics.
“June 10, 2026 marks a special occasion in the history of India after Independence. On that day Prime Minister Narendra Modi surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru to become the longest continuously serving democratically elected PM of India,” Kovind said.
The former president said, though a historical landmark in itself, PM Modi’s being a tenure longer than that of Nehru does not capture the more important dimensions of what may be called the watershed period of India since Independence.
Kovind said the contrast between India’s initial decade since Independence and the last 12 years is highlighted by a major shift, as the Nehru years were marked by a keenness to seek approval and succour from the West culturally and economically.
“The Modi years are marked by the confidence in a robust domestic economy which is able to withstand the most severe global disruptions. The Modi years are also characterised by a strong sense of pride in Indian languages, cultural symbols, values and traditions,” he said.
Naidu said Modi’s feat is significant because it comes in an era of unprecedented political competition, coalition dynamics, 24-hour media scrutiny and the rise of social media-driven public discourse.
“Born to parents of modest means, Modi worked as a tea vendor in Vadnagar, Gujarat, assisting his father. To travel from there to the PM’s office in South Block in the national capital is an extraordinary achievement,” he said.
Former Bihar chief minister and JD-U supremo Nitish Kumar said for decades, there was a perception that the highest offices were reserved for a privileged few or those born into influential political families, but Modi’s journey has challenged that notion.
“Rising from humble beginnings to occupy the highest elected office, he has become a source of inspiration for millions of youth, especially those from modest backgrounds,” he said.
Kumar said Modi’s story reinforces the belief that in a vibrant democracy, determination, hard work, and ability can overcome barriers of birth and circumstances.
“This milestone is also a powerful affirmation of the strength and openness of Indian democracy,” he said.
Former union minister Karan Singh said PM Modi has several substantial achievements to his credit.
He said the India that he inherited was vastly different from India of Pandit Nehru’s era, and the country’s population had grown from about 340 million to nearly 1.46 billion, while the electorate had expanded from about 110 million voters to over 830 million.
“The fact that he has led his party to three consecutive parliamentary victories is itself a remarkable political accomplishment. Should he succeed again in the next general elections, he would establish yet another unprecedented record in Indian politics,” he said.
BJP president Nitin Nabin said under the leadership of Modi, the central government has completed 12 years dedicated to trust, development and public welfare and this glorious era of ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’ has witnessed unprecedented growth in India’s development, security, economic empowerment and global prestige.
“Congress left the country with a legacy of uncertainty, corruption and weak leadership, while PM Modi has given Bharat a new identity built on self-confidence, good governance and development.
Nabin said that today, the world sees Bharat not merely as a regional power but as one of the greatest powers of the 21st century.
On May 26, 2014, Modi took charge as India’s prime minister with a landslide victory. He was re-elected with a bigger mandate in 2019, and his second term began on May 30 of the same year. His third consecutive term started on June 9, 2024.
On June 10, 2026, Modi crossed the record of Nehru’s 4,398 days in power as an elected prime minister following the 1952 general elections. Nehru’s stint from 1947 to 1952 was as head of an interim government, as elections were not held till 1952.
Former prime minister Indira Gandhi had a tenure of 14 years, more than that of Modi, but her prime ministership was not uninterrupted. PTI ACB ACB AMJ AMJ
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