Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the longest-serving head of government in India, surpassing the record previously held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
On Sunday, 22 March 2026, PM Modi completed 8,931 days in office as head of government, edging past Chamling’s mark of 8,930 days. This cumulative tenure combines Modi’s more than 13 years as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 7 October 2001 to 21 May 2014 with his ongoing service as Prime Minister of India since 26 May 2014.
Chamling, who led Sikkim from 12 December 1994 to 26 May 2019 under the Sikkim Democratic Front, held the previous record for the longest tenure as a chief minister in India, spanning over 24 years. His uninterrupted service in that role had stood as the benchmark for longevity in Indian executive leadership.
Modi’s journey began in Gujarat, where he secured four consecutive election victories in 2001 (by-election), 2002, 2007, and 2012, establishing himself as the state’s longest-serving chief minister at the time. He transitioned to national leadership in 2014, winning the Lok Sabha elections and becoming Prime Minister. He was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2024, securing a rare third consecutive term for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The milestone has drawn congratulations from across the political spectrum, with senior BJP leaders highlighting Modi’s dedication to public service. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as a “historic milestone” rooted in “service, hard work and unwavering commitment.”
Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi is now the longest-serving head of a government in India.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 22, 2026
Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi Ji. From his unwavering commitment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to his dedicated leadership as the Prime Minister, his life… pic.twitter.com/llGPwziZZC
Home Minister Amit Shah said that it is a milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment. He called it a rare legacy built on unprecedented trust and unparalleled Seva.
A milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 22, 2026
Today, PM @narendramodi Ji surpasses the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling, becoming the longest-serving head of a government in India.
PM Modi Ji's 8,931 days in public life, first as…
As PM Modi enters his 25th year in heading a government, the landmark underscores his enduring political influence and the BJP’s dominance in recent Indian elections.
