File photo: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: On a day that marked the beginning of his 25th continuous year on a constitutional post – he first took office as Gujarat CM in 2001 – PM Narendra Modi emphasised his resolve to work even harder towards realising “country’s collective dream of a Viksit Bharat”.”Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a government. Through all these years, it has been my constant endeavour to improve lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all,” the PM remarked, posting a series of messages on X Tuesday.Reflecting on his journey – 11 years as PM and 13 years as Gujarat CM – Modi recalled the formidable challenges he had encountered as Gujarat’s CM. He drew parallels with the hurdles he faced on becoming PM in 2014, when the nation was grappling with a profound “crisis of trust and governance”.”Over past 11 years, we the people of India have worked together and achieved many transformations. Our path-breaking efforts have empowered citizens from all corners of the country, especially Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, and hardworking Annadatas. Over 25 crore people have been lifted from the clutches of poverty,” Modi said. Turning to his Gujarat tenure, he evoked the dire circumstances of his appointment: the state was reeling from the impact of an earthquake, compounded by a super cyclone, successive droughts and political turmoil. “Those challenges only strengthened my resolve to serve the people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope,” he shared.Modi recalled, “When I took oath as CM, I remember my mother telling me: ‘…I seek two things. You will always work for the poor; second, never take a bribe’.”Lauding his achievements, home minister Amit Shah said the “Karma Yogi” PM exemplified how “Nation First” and “Developed India” vision can catalyse transformation in the lives of crores.When Modi was sworn in as Gujarat 14th CM on Oct 7, 2001, he had never contested an election before. That didn’t stop him from giving a new direction and impetus to Gujarat’s development journey.
