New Delhi, June 10 (AHN) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India, describing the achievement as a defining moment in the country's democratic journey and a milestone that would be remembered for generations.

PM Modi on Wednesday became India's longest-serving Prime Minister, marking 12 years at the helm of the Central government.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Birla extended warm wishes and said that the day of June 10, 2026, will be "etched as a historic chapter in the glorious journey of Indian democracy".

Reflecting on the significance of the achievement, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the occasion was not merely about the duration of a political tenure but also about assessing the impact of leadership on governance, democratic institutions, national development, and public confidence.

"As you cross this significant milestone of 4,399 days of continuous service as Prime Minister, it is naturally an occasion to evaluate the impact this period has had on India's governance, democratic institutions, trajectory of development, and national psyche. In these times of global geopolitical uncertainty and challenges, the importance of strong and stable national leadership cannot be overstated. Some achievements in history transcend mere statistics; they come to define an era. I am confident that this occasion, too, will be remembered as one of the significant milestones in the history of Indian democracy," he said.

Speaker Birla also reflected on PM Modi's long public life and said, "You chose the path of service to the nation from the very early years of your life. During your travels across various parts of the country, you gained a close understanding of the lives of ordinary citizens -- witnessing their hardships, listening to their aspirations, and sensing their hopes."

"As the Chief Minister of Gujarat, you transformed the administration into a result-oriented system driven by good governance, development, and public welfare. As Prime Minister, you extended that same experience, sensitivity, and connection with the people to the national stage," he added.

The Lok Sabha Speaker praised several flagship welfare schemes launched during PM Modi's tenure -- Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ayushman Bharat, PM-Kisan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Fit India.

The Speaker lauded the government's efforts toward social empowerment, particularly initiatives aimed at women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. He also praised measures such as the ban on triple talaq.

Commenting on the country's response to the Covid pandemic, Birla praised Modi government's management of the crisis and highlighted India's vaccine outreach efforts through the Vaccine Maitri initiative.

The Lok Sabha Speaker further commended India's foreign policy achievements during PM Modi's tenure, noting that the country's global standing had risen considerably over the years.

Referring to building Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Kashi, Birla said these initiatives had strengthened cultural pride and national identity while reconnecting people with the country's rich traditions.

He further praised the government's focus on internal security, including measures undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir, like the abrogation of Article 370, and said these efforts reflected a broader commitment to national unity and stability.