Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his political journey decades ago. He held several positions in the BJP hierarchy after he was assigned by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to the party in 1985; even rising to the rank of general secretary in 2001.
But a key and perhaps the defining moment in Modi’s career came on this day 21 years ago, when he was sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat for the first time, a chair he continued to hold till he was elected Prime Minister in 2014.
A Twitter handle called “Modi Archive”, documenting the popular leader's rise to power, has shared a Twitter thread replete with photographs from the swearing in ceremony.
“Narendra Modi was sworn in 21 years ago as Gujarat's Chief Minister. As they say, the rest is history! [7th October, 2001],” the account captioned one photo.
Narendra Modi was sworn in 21 years ago as Gujarat's Chief Minister. As they say, the rest is history![7th October, 2001] pic.twitter.com/kMoYECqCdX — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) October 7, 2022
Modi’s speech after the swearing-in also found a mention in the Twitter thread.
“After taking oath as CM of Gujarat for the 1st time, Modi concluded his speech with a rousing chant of 'Bharat Mata Ni Jay'. He then stepped down from the podium & drove an open jeep into the crowd amid drums, bugles & chants of 'Apanu Gujarat, Agavu Gujarat',” the tweet reads.
After taking oath as CM of Gujarat for the 1st time, Modi concluded his speech with a rousing chant of 'Bharat Mata Ni Jay'.He then stepped down from the podium & drove an open jeep into the crowd amid drums, bugles & chants of 'Apanu Gujarat, Agavu Gujarat'. [October 7, 2001] pic.twitter.com/zAwjK7wHq0 — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) October 7, 2022
The account continued with newspaper clippings of Modi and other leaders from the time. The then Gujarat CM also apparently video conferenced with collectors immediately, back in 2001.
“Upon assuming office, Modi immediately began engaging the bureaucracy in his own tech-savvy manner - video conferencing with at least 10 collectors on day 1. The swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi was also broadcast live on the web. [Times of India Ahmedabad, 8th Oct, 2001],” the caption read.
Upon assuming office, Modi immediately began engaging the bureaucracy in his own tech-savvy manner - video conferencing with at least 10 collectors on day 1.The swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi was also broadcast live on the web. [Times of India Ahmedabad, 8th Oct, 2001] pic.twitter.com/WnQEOdpJmr — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) October 7, 2022
Modi’s rise to power was not via popular vote. Keshubhai Patel’s failing health and the repercussions of the devastating Bhuj earthquake led to Modi’s appointment. Four months later, he contested his first election and won.
“Almost four months after swearing in as Gujarat’s CM, Modi ran in his first-ever election on the popular ballot. He won and entered the Gujarat Assembly for the first time. [January 2002, Modi files his nomination for the Gujarat Legislative Assembly by-election from Rajkot II],” was the second photo’s caption.
Almost four months after swearing in as Gujarat’s CM, Modi ran in his first-ever election on the popular ballot. He won and entered the Gujarat Assembly for the first time.[January 2002, Modi files his nomination for the Gujarat Legislative Assembly by-election from Rajkot II] pic.twitter.com/EQL24MLfp2 — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) October 7, 2022
Till 2014, Modi held the Gujarat CM position before he led the BJP to a thumping majority in 2014 becoming the prime minister for the first time and then winning again 2019. He is the longest serving non-Congress prime minister in the country.
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