Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years as head of government by offering prayers at Delhi’s Shri Vinayaka Temple in Sarojini Nagar. He sought blessings for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country.

The milestone traces back to October 7, 2001, when Modi first took oath as chief minister of Gujarat. He served three terms in the state before becoming prime minister in May 2014, and has since won three straight Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating Modi on 25 years of continuous leadership. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed reporters after the meeting.

At a Seva Jyoti event, Modi said he had lived for a mission, not personal ambition. He paid tribute to India’s democracy and Constitution, and called for a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.

BJP and government programmes on service and public participation were organised across the country to mark the milestone.