Modi not just a person but an idea, an institution: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan

Shivraj Singh Chouhan described Modi as a “social reformer” and an “exceptional listener” who has maintained a direct connection with people.

New Delhi: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “not just a person but an idea and an institution” as he completed 8,931 days in public office.

Addressing a press conference at BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Chouhan said Modi has become the longest-serving head of an elected government in India, surpassing former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

The senior BJP leader described Modi as a tireless leader who has set an example of dedication in public life.

“Modi ji is not just a person, he is an idea, an institution. While completing the highest number of days in public office is a significant milestone, what is even more remarkable is his unwavering commitment to public welfare,” he said.

Chouhan said nationalism has been the core driving force behind Modi’s leadership. “In every role, the core inspiration I have seen in him is nationalism -- nation first, nation above all. He is a true devotee of Mother India and a servant of the people,” he said.

Recalling the pre-2014 period, Chouhan said Modi emerged as a “symbol of trust” during a time marked by corruption and public disillusionment. “I remember the dark days of 2011-13, when scams and corruption were widespread and people were disillusioned.

In that darkness, Narendra Modi emerged as a symbol of faith and trust,” he said.

He added that the belief that “good days are coming” gained traction, culminating in the BJP forming a majority government in 2014. Chouhan said Modi’s leadership ushered in a new phase of development.

“What once seemed impossible began to happen -- highways, airports, ports, railways, metros, and even discussions on bullet trains,” he said.

Listing key initiatives, he said schemes like Make in India, Stand-Up India, and Start-Up India boosted investment and public confidence.

Highlighting women’s empowerment, he said initiatives such as the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ programme have made significant progress.

“The target of three crore was achieved ahead of schedule, and now the goal is six crore. Women’s empowerment has entered a new phase, including 33 percent reservation in legislatures,” he said.

On national security, Chouhan said the government has taken strong action against terrorism, including surgical strikes and airstrikes.

“We are friendly to the world but firm, gentle like a flower for the good and hard like a thunderbolt for enemies. Naxalism is nearing its end,” he said. He added long-standing issues have now been resolved.

“‘One nation cannot have two flags, two constitutions, two heads’ once felt like a slogan. Even the Ram temple seemed distant,” he said.

“But today, the Ram temple has been built in Ayodhya, and Article 370 has been abrogated. What seemed impossible has been made possible,” Chouhan added.

He also described Modi as a “social reformer” and an “exceptional listener” who has maintained a direct connection with people.

“A prosperous, strong, self-reliant and developed India — this dream will be fulfilled under his leadership,” he said, adding that leaders like Modi emerge only after long cycles in history.