Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his 12-year tenure as a collective spiritual sacrifice for India during a meeting in New Delhi [1].
The framing of his leadership as a divine duty emphasizes the intersection of spiritual identity and governance in the current administration. By characterizing his time in office as a religious offering, Modi aligns his political record with cultural and spiritual traditions.
Speaking at a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders' conclave, Modi marked the milestone of 12 years in office on May 26, 2026 [2]. He said this period was a "collective Yagya for Mother India" [3]. In the Vedic tradition, a Yagya is a ritual of sacrifice and offering intended to bring about a greater good for the community.
Modi said that serving the nation can only be achieved through divine grace [4]. He further linked the act of governance to a spiritual obligation, stating that the people are the embodiment of God [5]. This perspective frames his administration's work not merely as a series of policy achievements, but as a religious service performed on behalf of the citizenry.
According to reports, the 12-year mark is significant as Modi has become India's longest-serving elected prime minister, surpassing the record previously held by Jawaharlal Nehru [6]. This milestone coincides with the government's broader goals for national development, and self-reliance.
During the conclave, the prime minister stressed that his service is a duty to the people. He said that the collective effort of his government serves as a sacrifice for the nation's progress [4].
“"People are the embodiment of God."”
By utilizing the term 'Yagya,' Modi is shifting the narrative of his political longevity from a matter of electoral success to one of spiritual destiny. This rhetoric reinforces the ideological bond between the state and Hindu cultural identity, suggesting that the administration's longevity is a result of divine grace rather than solely political strategy.
