Narendra Modi, a dedicated servant of the nation, took over as Gujarat’s Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014. Looking back, this 25-year journey appears to be more than just the arc of one leader’s political career. It has become a chapter in the country’s shifting political, social, and developmental journey. The 25-year journey of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a journey of “service, resolve and dedication.” It is a journey reflecting the growing confidence of 1.4 billion Indians. On this occasion, on behalf of Maharashtra’s 130 million people and the Shiv Sena, I express my warm congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The voice that emerged from the soil of Vadnagar has today become an influential voice representing India’s position on the global stage.

 

During his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 7, 2001, to May 2014, Modi took several important decisions for the development of the State. He assumed office against the backdrop of the devastating Bhuj earthquake. The pace of rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding in Bhuj and the Kutch region was accelerated. In 2003, he launched the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit’. Through this summit, major companies and industrialists from across the world were encouraged to invest in Gujarat. The Gujarat model appealed to the people of the country. At the same time, public discontent was growing against the hollow promises made in the name of development, corruption and attempts to fill the coffers of the wealthy in the name of eradicating poverty. Modi transformed the sparks of this discontent into political energy.

 

When the Prime Minister of a country changes, it is not merely the government that changes—the future of the country changes. And that is precisely the transformation that took place after 2014. Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014. Thereafter, the policies of the Central Government placed particular emphasis on development, infrastructure, digital technology, social welfare and national security. Through the Jan Dhan Yojana, efforts were made to connect a large number of citizens with the banking system. Direct Benefit Transfer and the digitisation of government services received a major boost. Through schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and PM-KISAN, the government undertook historic work in areas including housing, clean cooking fuel, piped water supply and direct financial assistance to farmers. The New Education Policy, new criminal laws and the law against triple talaq were also introduced during the Modi Government’s tenure.

 

The Modi government also demonstrated the political courage to take the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The numerous decisions taken over the past 12 years have had a broad and highly positive impact on the direction of Indian politics, the economy, administration and social policy. Alongside the development agenda, efforts were also made during this period to bring India’s cultural heritage to the centre stage. Women’s empowerment has been another important component of the Central Government’s development agenda. From Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to Lakhpati Didi, and from Ujjwala and Mudra to self-help groups, various schemes have been implemented to increase women’s economic and social participation.

 

There have also been several important developments in the areas of national security and foreign policy during the Modi government’s tenure. India has adopted a more assertive position on the issue of cross-border terrorism. Today, India’s voice is firmly heard on major global platforms. India’s growing economic, strategic and diplomatic capabilities have gained significance. The credit for creating a new and capable identity for India at the international level goes to Modi. That is why Modi has been honoured with the highest civilian awards of nearly 36 countries. The 12-year period of the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been important for Maharashtra’s infrastructure and economic development.

 

The assistance received by Maharashtra from the Centre has not been limited merely to funding; it has also helped accelerate several long-term projects. Alongside Maharashtra’s development, the State’s cultural and historical identity has also received importance through decisions taken by the Central Government. The inclusion of the historic forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the development of the Panch Teerth associated with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and the decision to grant classical language status to Marathi are important milestones for Maharashtra.