Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for completing 12 years in office, calling this milestone a 'period of pride' for India.

Speaking to the media at Patna Airport, Rai highlighted the government's focus on the welfare of underprivileged groups, women, and farmers, stating that over 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty under Modi's leadership.

Modi's tenure marks a significant moment in Indian politics; as of June 10, 2026, he will surpass Jawaharlal Nehru as the longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India.

Rai described the Prime Minister as a “messiah for the poor” and a key figure in national progress. He credited the administration with guiding the country through global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and various international conflicts while maintaining rapid economic growth.

Notable achievements during Modi's 12 years in office include the permanent abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the construction of the Grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, housing projects for the poor, and the building of millions of toilets across India. Rai noted that India is now the world's fourth-largest economy and is advancing swiftly on the path of development and prosperity.

“This achievement has come despite the decade being marked by major challenges, whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic or global conflicts; despite that, the country has continued to make rapid economic progress,” he said. “Today, farmers are prospering, youth are getting employment, women have received greater opportunities and dignity, the poor have been empowered and have seen improvements in their lives. Therefore, these 12 years of tenure have been a period of pride and achievement for the country,” Rai added.