New Delhi, June 10: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju offered prayers at a Buddhist temple on Lodhi Road to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India. He remarked that Modi’s life is a testament to dedication, having devoted himself to the nation rather than personal or familial interests.
Speaking to a news agency, Rijiju stated, “Today is a historic day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 4,399 days in office as an elected Prime Minister. It is a great fortune for him to achieve the longest tenure.”
He emphasized that while many leaders have emerged, under Modi’s leadership, India has taken its first steps towards becoming a ‘developed nation.’ He noted that when India gained independence, it was impoverished, and for many years, it remained a poor nation. However, Modi’s vision since taking office in 2014 has been to aim for a ‘developed India’ by 2047.
Rijiju expressed, “Such leaders are rare in centuries. A personality like Narendra Modi does not come along often. We pray for his health and longevity. He lives not for himself but for the country and society. His life is a model of dedication to the nation.”
Reflecting on his experience working with PM Modi, Rijiju mentioned, “In the 21st century, negative forces are prevalent. Many people are intent on tarnishing good work. Despite this, PM Modi has inspired us to work with pure thoughts and faith, directing us to continue our efforts for the nation.”
When asked about comparisons with other leaders, Rijiju asserted that it is inappropriate to compare Modi with anyone else. He highlighted that when Jawaharlal Nehru became Prime Minister, he was not elected but appointed by Mahatma Gandhi. “In the early years of independence, there was a strong wave in favor of Congress, and people continued to vote for them. At that time, Congress faced little struggle. The question remains why the country did not become a ‘developed nation.’ Congress and a family gained much recognition, but the nation did not progress,” he said.
Rijiju further stated, “I believe comparisons should not be made, as after Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the goal of a ‘developed India’ was set, and work commenced. We are nearing that milestone. History will always record that the first step towards a ‘developed India’ was taken during Modi’s tenure. His work and vision have transformed India into a ‘developed nation,’ a fact that cannot be denied.”
Additionally, Rijiju highlighted the government’s achievements over the past 12 years, noting, “The country’s situation has changed significantly. Connectivity has improved, with roads and highways reaching border areas. Electricity and water are reaching every household, and gas connections have been provided to homes. People are receiving free rations, and numerous airports have been constructed in states. The railway infrastructure has also strengthened. All these developments have been witnessed in the last 12 years.”
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.