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Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has underscored the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru as the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India.
In a special article titled ‘Modi Is So Successful Because He Makes Thoughtful Decisions’, Deve Gowda said PM Modi’s achievement demonstrates not only his political success but also the resilience and strengthening of Indian democracy over the decades.
Deve Gowda noted that Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister in 1947 under extraordinary circumstances, supported by the moral authority of Mahatma Gandhi. He said Nehru entered the first general election in 1952 carrying both Gandhi’s blessings and the prestige of the freedom movement.
According to Deve Gowda, the Congress party enjoyed overwhelming dominance at the time and faced little meaningful political competition. Although 53 political parties contested the 1952 election, their influence remained limited. He argued that India had transformed dramatically by the time PM Modi first became Prime Minister in 2014 and secured a third term in 2024.
The country, he said, had changed almost beyond recognition in terms of scale, diversity and economic development.
Deve Gowda added that while it may be tempting to suggest that becoming Prime Minister in 1952 was easier than in 2014 or 2024, such a comparison would not be entirely fair.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister in 1996, Deve Gowda said the political environment had already changed significantly. He noted that the scale of elections and the level of political competition had also increased.
According to him, Prime Ministers outside the Nehru-Gandhi family did not enjoy any special aura. Nor did they benefit from inherited influence or political patronage.
Deve Gowda said that both he and PM Modi lacked the social and cultural capital that several other Prime Ministers had benefited from.
Reflecting on PM Modi’s long tenure, Deve Gowda noted that his own term as Prime Minister lasted only 11 months. In contrast, he said, PM Modi has continued to lead the country without showing signs of fatigue.
Deve Gowda described the Prime Minister’s stamina and endurance in office as exceptional. He added that neither PM Modi nor the people who have repeatedly elected him appeared tired of his leadership.
Deve Gowda pointed to the growing complexity of Indian elections as evidence of PM Modi’s achievement. He noted that while 53 political parties contested the 1952 elections, PM Modi faced competition from 2,593 parties in the 2024 general election.
Deve Gowda also highlighted the expansion of India’s electorate, which grew from 17 crore voters in 1952 to 83 crore by 2014. India’s population, he added, has increased from 34 crore in 1952 to more than 146 crore today.
Deve Gowda said another aspect that drew his attention was the composition of Nehru’s cabinet.
According to him, Nehru’s governments did not adequately reflect India’s community, cultural and caste diversity.
Deve Gowda stated that even during Nehru’s third and final term as Prime Minister, most cabinet members were upper-caste men. He also noted that Nehru had rejected the recommendations of the Kaka Kalelkar Commission, which sought reservations for disadvantaged and backward communities.
By contrast, Deve Gowda described PM Modi’s current cabinet as more socially diverse. He pointed out that it includes 27 OBC members, 10 SC members and five ST members, along with greater representation of women.
Deve Gowda further said PM Modi had seriously advanced a proposal in April 2026 to increase parliamentary representation. He said the proposal sought to expand representation in legislative bodies.
According to him, the move would enable women to receive historic levels of participation. He added that the Women’s Reservation Bill had already been passed and would help strengthen India as a federal union.
According to Deve Gowda, contemporary India is a far more vocal and active democracy than it was during Nehru’s time. He said awareness surrounding caste issues, constitutional rights, civil liberties, gender equality and environmental concerns has grown substantially.
Deve Gowda observed that a large section of the population was illiterate during Nehru’s era. He said people at the time had a limited understanding of what to expect from a democratic government.
Today, citizens are more educated and politically aware, making public scrutiny far more intense.
Deve Gowda remarked that while Nehru had to contend with only a handful of newspapers, PM Modi faces constant attention from millions of people. He said social media often brings criticism that can be unverified, unfair, highly personal and harsh.
In addition, PM Modi must also deal with round-the-clock criticism from the mainstream media. He noted that television news did not exist during Nehru’s tenure.
Congratulating PM Modi, Deve Gowda said India has remained a strong democracy under his leadership. He praised the Prime Minister’s efforts to keep India among the world’s fastest-growing economies, his welfare initiatives and his decision-making during military confrontations.
Deve Gowda said PM Modi had never compromised on matters concerning national interest.
Deve Gowda further described PM Modi as more than the country’s executive leader. He said the Prime Minister has consistently engaged with every section of society.
Deve Gowda added that he never misses PM Modi’s radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. He also said he regularly follows the recognition given to achievers from diverse fields across the country.
Deve Gowda also credited PM Modi with using technology more effectively than any previous Prime Minister to reach citizens nationwide.
Concluding his remarks, Deve Gowda said such achievements would not have been possible without selfless dedication. He added that PM Modi’s success stems from his continuous introspection and willingness to remain open to constant self-evaluation.
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