STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday hailed Narendra Modi as “not just a person but an idea and an institution” as he completed a historic 8,931 days in public office as the prime minister.
Addressing a press conference here, Chouhan noted that Modi has now become the longest-serving head of an elected government in India, surpassing the previous record held by former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
The senior BJP leader, who is also the former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, described Modi as a leader who has worked relentlessly for the country and set an example of dedication in public life. “Modi ji is not just a person, he is an idea, an institution. While spending the highest number of days in public office is a significant milestone, what is even more remarkable is his tireless commitment to public welfare throughout this tenure,” he said at the BJP headquarters here.
Nationalism has been the core driving force behind Prime Minister Modi’s work, he added. “In every role, the core inspiration I have seen in him is nationalism – nation first, nation above all. He is a true devotee of Mother India and a servant of the people. This is the fundamental motivation behind his work,” he said.
Chouhan said Modi emerged as a “symbol of trust” during a period marked by corruption and public disillusionment. “I remember the dark days of 2011-13, when scams and corruption were widespread, and people were disillusioned. In that darkness, Narendra Modi emerged as a symbol of faith and trust,” he said. “The belief spread that ‘good days are coming’. In 2014, the world watched in surprise as a single party formed the government with a majority under his leadership,” the senior BJP leader added.
He further said that Modi’s leadership led to a new phase of development in the country, with people believing that “If there is Modi, it is possible”. “What once seemed impossible began to happen – highways, airports, ports, railways, metros, and discussions on bullet trains,” he added.
Listing key government initiatives, Chouhan said several schemes boosted investment and welfare. “Programmes like Make in India, Stand-Up India, and Start-Up India created a new environment of investment, hope, and trust,” he said. He also highlighted efforts towards women’s empowerment. “For women, education, welfare schemes, and economic empowerment initiatives like the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ programme were launched,” he added. “The target of 3 crore was achieved ahead of schedule, and now the goal is 6 crore. Women’s empowerment has entered a new phase, including 33 percent reservation in legislatures,” the Union minister said.
On national security, Chouhan said the government has taken strong measures against terrorism, including surgical strikes and airstrikes. “We are friendly to the world, but firm. Gentle like a flower for the good, and hard like a thunderbolt for enemies. Naxalism is nearing its end,” he added.
Referring to key political decisions, he said issues once seen as slogans have now been realised. “As a worker, I remember the slogans we used to raise – ‘One nation cannot have two flags, two constitutions, two heads.’ At that time, it felt like just a slogan. Even ‘We will build the Ram temple’ seemed distant,” he said. “But today, the country and the world have seen the Ram temple has been built in Ayodhya, and Article 370 has been abrogated. What seemed impossible has been made possible,” Chouhan added.
The senior BJP leader further said that Modi connected directly with people, and called him a “social reformer” and an “exceptional listener”. A prosperous, strong, self-reliant, and developed India – this dream will be fulfilled under Modi’s leadership, he said, adding that history moves in cycles, and it is after long periods that a leader like Modi is born.