BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25-year journey as an unforgettable chapter. Nabin said, "The 2014 general election marked the first time that the prime ministerial candidate was presented directly to the people." He noted that Modi became prime minister through a direct mandate from voters.

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey at the head of government as an "unforgettable" chapter marked by continuous struggle, and said Modi was the first prime minister to be presented directly to voters as the principal face of a Lok Sabha election campaign.

"The 2014 general election marked the first time that the prime ministerial candidate was not merely the face of a party, nor was he nominated solely by the party, but was instead presented directly to the people as the principal face of the campaign," Nabin said.

"He became the first prime minister to be appointed through a direct mandate from the electorate," he added.

Nabin cited former President Pranab Mukherjee's description of the 2014 Lok Sabha election as a "tectonic shift". According to Nabin, Mukherjee had noted that Modi was the first prime minister to be presented to the public as a declared candidate and subsequently receive immense public support.

Nabin contrasted this with the manner in which earlier prime ministers had assumed office. He said Jawaharlal Nehru was chosen by Congress leaders before becoming the country's first prime minister, while Indira Gandhi was also selected by party leaders. Rajiv Gandhi, he said, first became prime minister following the death of his mother, Indira Gandhi, and only later secured a public mandate.

"In contrast, Modi did not hail from a political dynasty or inherit a legacy," Nabin said, adding that he became prime minister on the strength of his lifelong organisational experience and the mandate of the people.

Calling the occasion "an unforgettable day" for Indians and BJP workers, Nabin said it marked 25 years of a journey that began amid struggles and continued as Modi faced and overcame challenges.

"It is the day of witnessing the 25-year journey of a personality who started amid struggles and kept moving forward while facing every challenge," he said.

Nabin extended his wishes to Modi on behalf of the people and BJP workers for an "uninterrupted, unwavering and tireless" journey.