Politics · India Bureau
Modi Reflects on 25 Years in Public Office, Cites Major Crises
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a quarter-century in public service on Wednesday, reflecting on his journey from Gujarat Chief Minister to leading the nation. The PM highlighted lessons learned from managing major crises including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic.
LSN India ·
Modi assumed office as Chief Minister of Gujarat on this date in 2001, beginning a tenure that would span three terms in the state before his election as Prime Minister in 2014. His 25-year career has encompassed periods of both economic development and significant national challenges.
During remarks marking the milestone, Modi pointed to the 2001 Bhuj earthquake as a formative experience in his early administration, noting how disaster management and recovery efforts shaped his approach to governance. The catastrophic quake, which killed thousands across Gujarat, tested the state's administrative machinery and response capabilities during the first months of his tenure.
The Prime Minister also cited the Covid-19 pandemic as another defining moment that tested India's institutional resilience. Modi referenced the health crisis as having provided critical lessons in crisis management and inter-departmental coordination at the national level.
Modi's reflection comes as he serves an unprecedented third consecutive term as Prime Minister, having been re-elected in 2019 and again in 2024. His trajectory from state-level administration to national leadership underscores India's federal political structure and the role of regional governments in preparing senior leaders for higher office.