Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday comes weeks before he marks 25 years as the head of a government. On October 7, 2026, it will be 25 years since he first took oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001—a political journey that has taken him from state administration to three terms as prime minister. The Prime Minister's Office has previously noted that his tenure at the helm of government began with his Gujarat swearing-in on October 7, 2001.
Modi took charge of Gujarat months after the 2001 Kutch earthquake, at a time when the state was also dealing with drought and other administrative challenges. His first years in office became the foundation for the governance model that he later carried to the Centre.
From Gujarat chief minister to prime minister
As Gujarat chief minister, Modi's administration focused on infrastructure, investment, industry and projects linked to water and electricity. Supporters within the BJP and RSS have credited his organisational experience and ability to set timelines for projects as important features of his administrative style.
“When I took oath as CM, I remember my mother telling me—I do not have much understanding of your work but I only seek two things. First, you will always work for the poor and second, you will never take a bribe. I also told people that whatever I do will be with the best intent and will be inspired by a vision to serve the very last person in the queue,” Modi said in 2025.
After 13 years as Gujarat chief minister, Modi led the BJP into the 2014 Lok Sabha election, when the party secured a majority on its own. He returned to power in 2019 and again in 2024, although the BJP did not secure a majority on its own in the latest Lok Sabha election and formed the government with allies.
Politics, welfare and ideological issues
Modi's years at the Centre have combined welfare programmes and economic initiatives with issues that have long featured in the BJP's ideological agenda.
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370 are among the major developments associated with his government. At the same time, initiatives around digital payments, financial inclusion, infrastructure and welfare have formed a major part of the government's policy narrative.
In 2025, while marking the beginning of his 25th year as head of a government, Modi said his focus had remained on improving people's lives and contributing to the country's progress.
A different political landscape in the third term
Modi's third term has come with a different parliamentary equation. The BJP fell short of a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and has relied on allies to form the government.
His government has also faced challenges including geopolitical tensions, employment concerns and administrative controversies. Meanwhile, the BJP continues to position Modi as its central campaign figure ahead of upcoming state elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha contest.
On March 22, 2026, the government said Modi had become the longest-serving head of a government in India, surpassing the previous record for continuous tenure at the helm of a government.
His 25-year journey from Gujarat's chief minister's office to the Prime Minister's Office has therefore unfolded alongside major shifts in India's electoral politics, governance priorities and the BJP's national footprint.