NDA has provided stable governance, says PM Modi after historic milestone

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude on Wednesday to President Droupadi Murmu, as well as chief ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), for their congratulations upon his becoming India's longest-serving democratically elected prime minister. Modi remarked that all milestones reached over the years belong to the shared endeavours and ambitions of the Indian populace.

In individual dispatches, Modi noted that the trajectory of the NDA has been characterised by a unified determination to advance the country's welfare alongside regional goals, adding that this ethos has fortified the nation's democratic framework, reinforced cooperative federalism, and quickened economic growth.

The prime minister also recognised Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for their commendations.

"Rashtrapati Ji, I am grateful to you for your warm wishes and kind words. Whatever has been achieved over the years is the result of the collective efforts and aspirations of the people of India," Modi said.

Modi maintained that the goodwill and endorsement of 1.4 billion Indians serve as his premier source of empowerment and encouragement. He expressed specific satisfaction that the president highlighted the PM-JANMAN initiative and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan within her congratulatory communication.

"Our government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society in the true spirit of Antyodaya," he stated.

While conveying appreciation to the NDA leaders and regional heads for their sentiments, Modi emphasised that the alliance's history has been shaped by a mutual commitment to promote both federal priorities and local desires.

"This spirit has strengthened our democracy, deepened cooperative federalism and accelerated development. Over the last 12 years, the NDA has provided a stable government that has furthered progress across sectors. We will continue working together with renewed vigour in service of the nation and the vision of Viksit Bharat," Modi stated in a post on X.

The online message included a photograph of the alliance's leadership gathered for a coalition convention on Wednesday at the Bharat Mandapam complex in the national capital.

In his acknowledgement to Vice President Radhakrishnan, the prime minister affirmed that the confidence and validation of the citizenry motivate him to intensify his efforts for the public good.

"All my efforts will continue to be guided by the aim of building a Viksit Bharat that is prosperous and proud of our civilisational heritage. No stone will be left unturned in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of our fellow Indians," Modi noted.

Responding to Birla, Modi characterised the milestone as a historic development for Indian democracy that directly stemmed from the immense favour and care of the public.

"We all together will continue to advance with even greater resolve the pledge to build a developed, self-reliant, and prosperous India," he said.

On Wednesday, Modi eclipsed the longevity record held by India's inaugural prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to officially become the longest-tenured elected leader in the nation's history.

Modi surpassed Nehru’s mark of 4,398 days in office as an elected premier following the landmark 1952 general elections. Nehru’s prior administration from 1947 to 1952 functioned as a provisional government, given that nationwide democratic elections were not conducted until 1952.

With inputs from PTI