New Delhi, June 10: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting his tenure as the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in India's history. He said the Prime Minister's governance has been guided by a strong "Nation First" approach and a commitment to taking bold decisions in the national interest.
Addressing a Union Cabinet briefing, Vaishnaw pointed to several landmark decisions taken under Modi's leadership, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the law against triple talaq, and reforms related to Waqf properties.
"These decisions reflect Prime Minister Modi's ability to take decisive steps for the country's progress," the Union Minister said.
Vaishnaw also credited the Prime Minister for strengthening internal security and tackling long-standing challenges. He noted that sustained efforts by the government have significantly weakened Naxalism and contributed to greater stability in affected regions.
According to the Minister, the Prime Minister's vision extends beyond economic growth and focuses on building a self-reliant and developed India while fostering a renewed sense of pride in the country's cultural and civilisational heritage.
Marking the historic milestone, Vaishnaw offered prayers at Sai Mandir on Lodhi Road in the national capital. Speaking after the religious ceremony, he said he prayed for the Prime Minister's continued service to the nation and for the successful realization of the goal of transforming India into a developed country.
"Today is a special occasion as Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India. I prayed for his continued dedication to public service and for the countrymen to support the vision of making India a developed nation," Vaishnaw said.
The Minister further asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has earned widespread public trust through its development-oriented policies. He cited progress in infrastructure development, governance reforms, welfare initiatives, and women's empowerment as key achievements of the government.
"The country has witnessed transformative changes under the NDA government. Whether it is infrastructure, transparent governance, welfare programmes for the poor, or empowering women, the government's efforts have strengthened public confidence," he added.
Visuals from the temple showed Vaishnaw participating in special prayers and rituals to commemorate the completion of 12 years of the Modi-led government at the Centre.
Narendra Modi first assumed office as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, following the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in the Lok Sabha elections. He secured a second term in 2019 and returned to power for a third consecutive term in 2024.
With this achievement, Modi has surpassed the tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to become India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He is also the first Prime Minister born after Independence to hold the country's highest executive office.
Over the past 12 years, the NDA government has rolled out a range of flagship programmes and reforms across sectors, including infrastructure, digital governance, financial inclusion, healthcare, housing, and welfare delivery, shaping its development agenda for the country.
