May 26, 2014: The Day PM Narendra Modi Ushered in a New Era of Indian Politics
New Delhi | May 26, 2025 – Exactly ten years ago, on this day in 2014, Narendra Modi took the oath of office as India’s 15th Prime Minister, marking a historic moment in the country's political evolution. The date, May 26, is now seen as a turning point—a day that signaled not just the end of the Congress-led UPA’s decade-long rule, but the beginning of a new political epoch led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Modi's leadership.
Addressing a rally in Dahod, Gujarat today, PM Modi reflected on the significance of this day. “With the strength of your blessings, I have been tirelessly serving the people of the nation day and night. In these years, the country has taken decisions that are unimaginable and unprecedented. The country has broken decades-old shackles,” he told the crowd.
A Landmark Victory That Changed Indian Politics Forever
The 2014 Lok Sabha elections delivered a thumping majority to the BJP, a feat last achieved by a single party in 1984. Modi’s campaign centered on development, good governance, and strong leadership, catching the imagination of millions across India. Political analysts widely agree that the 2014 victory was a watershed moment—one that reset the rules of engagement in Indian politics.
That electoral triumph not only catapulted Narendra Modi from state-level leadership in Gujarat to the helm of the Union government but also marked the decline of the Congress party and other traditional opposition forces.
The Swearing-In Ceremony: A Statement of Regional Diplomacy
The oath-taking ceremony on May 26, 2014, was held in the grand forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with then-President Pranab Mukherjee administering the oath. The event was attended by over 4,000 guests, including industrialists, celebrities, political stalwarts, and international dignitaries.
One of the most notable aspects of the ceremony was the presence of leaders from neighboring countries—including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal. Their attendance was seen as a diplomatic masterstroke and signaled PM Modi’s intent to recalibrate India’s foreign policy with an emphasis on regional cooperation.
Modi 3.0: A Rare Political Legacy in the Making
With the NDA government now in its third consecutive term, PM Modi joins the ranks of Jawaharlal Nehru as one of the few Indian leaders to enjoy such sustained electoral success at the national level. This achievement underlines not just political dominance, but also a massive shift in India's socio-political narrative over the last decade.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the role of the people of Gujarat, his home state, saying, “All of you in Gujarat gave me your abundant blessings; later, millions across the country also blessed me without any hesitation.”
What Has Changed Since May 26, 2014?
Since assuming office, Modi has presided over several transformative initiatives and landmark reforms, including:
- GST rollout and Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
- Abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir
- Ujjwala Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, and other social welfare schemes
- An assertive foreign policy shift with focus on the Global South
- Digital India, Make in India, and Startup India initiatives
- Focus on infrastructure, national security, and self-reliance
His governance style—characterized by centralized decision-making, mass outreach, and narrative control—has been both lauded and criticized. However, his popular mandate remains unshaken, making him one of the most influential Indian leaders of the 21st century.
May 26, 2014, was not just the day Narendra Modi took oath—it was the beginning of a new political chapter in India. A decade later, the country stands transformed, for better or worse, under the shadow and spotlight of one of its most consequential leaders.