Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially surpassed Indira Gandhi to become the second-longest-serving Prime Minister in Indian history in an unbroken term, completing 4,078 consecutive days in office as of Friday, according to officials cited by news agency PTI.
Modi’s tenure now extends beyond Indira Gandhi’s uninterrupted term of 4,077 days, which lasted from January 24, 1966, to March 24, 1977. The record for the longest continuous term as Prime Minister still belongs to Jawaharlal Nehru, who held office from August 15, 1947, until his death on May 27, 1964.
Modi has also equaled Nehru in leading his party to victory in three successive Lok Sabha elections—in 2014, 2019, and 2024—cementing his position as a dominant political figure of contemporary India.
Longest Tenure in Elected Government
With a political career that began at the state level, Narendra Modi is now the longest-serving elected head of government in India, combining his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat and as Prime Minister.
He first assumed the role of Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and continued until May 2014, when he was elected Prime Minister. Since then, he has led the central government without interruption.
Historic Firsts
Modi is the first Prime Minister of India born after Independence, having been born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister.
He is also the only non-Congress leader to complete two full terms at the Centre as Prime Minister.
Record-Breaking Electoral Wins
According to officials, Modi is the only Indian political leader, at either state or central level, to lead his party to six consecutive electoral victories as its face:
Gujarat Assembly Elections: 2002, 2007, 2012
Lok Sabha Elections: 2014, 2019, 2024
This unmatched winning streak showcases his consistent electoral appeal and organizational command within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
From Tea Seller to Prime Minister
Born into a modest family in Vadnagar, Modi assisted his father in selling tea at a railway station during his early years. His grassroots beginnings, coupled with his rise through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later the BJP, have shaped his political journey.
Known for his mass connect, oratory skills, and decisive leadership style, Modi governed Gujarat for over a decade, gaining national prominence for his governance model. In 2014, he led the BJP to a historic national victory, marking the beginning of his tenure as Prime Minister.
Since then, he has emerged as a central figure in global diplomacy, positioning India as a self-assured and influential voice on the world stage.
With 4,078 consecutive days in office, Narendra Modi has now officially overtaken Indira Gandhi to become the second-longest continuously serving Prime Minister in India’s history. His long and uninterrupted tenure, combined with multiple electoral victories and leadership milestones, makes his political legacy one of the most significant in modern Indian history.