People's Trust Has Always Been My Greatest Strength: PM Modi

Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha, Modi thanked the people for repeatedly choosing him to serve in public office over the past 25 years.

As the Prime Minister arrived at the event, people welcomed him with flowers, BJP flags and slogans including 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi Ji Ka Swagat Hai'. Several people were also seen recording his arrival on their mobile phones.

Recalling the beginning of his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi said he took oath on October 7, 2001, without imagining he would eventually complete 25 consecutive years as head of a government.

He described the milestone as a reflection of the continued support of the people and thanked the BJP, the NDA and political colleagues who, he said, had placed their faith in democratic institutions.

Modi also paid tribute to the people of the country, saying that voters had given him the opportunity to serve them through successive Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He said the occasion was also an opportunity to express his respect for India's democratic system and the Constitution.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to those who participated in the Seva Jyoti Yatra and attended the event.

Earlier in the day, Modi visited Shri Vinayak Mandir in Delhi's Sarojini Nagar, where he offered prayers on the occasion of completing 25 years in public office. He said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country.

Modi said he regarded the people as a form of God and credited their trust, along with the efforts of millions of workers, for giving him the strength to continue in public life.

He said the country had given him immense responsibility and that he therefore felt an equally significant obligation towards the nation. Modi added that he believed every citizen had a right over him as a public servant.

The Prime Minister's 25-year tenure as head of government began with his appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He served as Gujarat Chief Minister until 2014 before moving to national politics and subsequently serving as Prime Minister.

Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister from Keshubhai Patel at a time when the state was dealing with the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake as well as political and administrative challenges.

Since moving to national politics, his tenure has also coincided with a more prominent international role for India, with the government placing greater emphasis on diplomatic engagement, relations with major global powers and India's role among developing nations.