NEW DELHI: The BJP will launch a month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ on September 17 to mark PM Modi completing 25 years in public service, with programmes ranging from blood donation and cleanliness drives to exhibitions, seminars and welfare-scheme camps across the country.The campaign will continue until October 17. October 7 will mark 25 years since PM Modi took oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001.Announcing the campaign at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday, party national president Nitin Nabin said, “Today, we have gathered here to discuss the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’. On October 7, 2026, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete 25 years of public service, a journey that began when he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. Over the past 25 years, he has steadfastly continued this journey of service, embracing the mantra of transitioning from public service to service of the nation.”
Campaign to begin on PM Modi’s birthday
The campaign will start on September 17, PM Modi’s birthday, which the BJP observes as ‘Seva Diwas’.“We will begin the programme with a blood donation camp. On September 17, we will organise the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme. On October 2, we will organise a cleanliness drive, as we do every year,” Nabin said.An inaugural programme titled ‘Ashirbadar Banti’ (Lamp of Blessings) will also be held on September 17.BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde has been appointed national convener of the campaign. A seven-member team comprising a minister, an organisational general secretary and five senior leaders will be formed in every state to coordinate the programmes.The party will hold photo and digital exhibitions tracing PM Modi’s 25-year political journey and focusing on his governance record, development initiatives and welfare schemes.Seminars and intellectual forums on good governance, development and Antyodaya are also planned, along with interactions with young people and other sections of society. Special camps will spread awareness about welfare schemes run by the Centre and state governments and the benefits available under them.“I believe that it is the BJP’s responsibility to take this message of public service and dedication to the people,” Nabin said.
‘India is the fastest-growing major economy’
Nabin used the announcement to contrast India’s economic position before PM Modi became Prime Minister in 2014 with the present.“When he took over the leadership of the country, India was facing policy paralysis and was being referred to as one of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies. Today, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world,” he said.“There was a time when the atmosphere at that time was one of despair and darkness. Our economy was seen as part of the Fragile Five. But today, India stands out as the world’s fastest-growing economy,” Nabin said.He also said India’s stature on the global stage had risen under the PM Modi-led government.Turning to young people, Nabin said PM Modi had sought to replace what he described as an atmosphere of despair with hope after 2014.“There was a time when the youth of the country were immersed in an atmosphere of despair. It was the honourable Prime Minister who, since 2014, took up the task of placing them in an environment of hope and optimism,” he said.Nabin cited the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem as part of that shift.“Through startups and unicorns, India has today become the third-largest startup nation in the world. In startups and unicorns, our youth have come forward and emerged as job givers and not just job seekers,” he said.He also referred to Khelo India and Fit India while speaking about opportunities for young people.
Nabin cites women-led development, border villages
Women-led development will also form part of the BJP’s account of PM Modi’s tenure.“The Prime Minister spoke about Women-led Development, and the journey that began under his leadership with Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao has today reached the Lakhpati Didi milestone,” Nabin said.He also referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the government’s efforts to increase women’s participation in policymaking.Nabin said the government had also sought to change the way border settlements were viewed.“There was a time when border villages were called India’s last villages. They changed this perception and started calling them India’s first villages. This has not only brought changes in the lives of ordinary people, but has also altered people’s outlook towards these communities,” he said.
‘Gujarat’s growth became a development model’
Nabin traced PM Modi’s development record to Gujarat, citing work on the Narmada project and the Vibrant Gujarat initiative.“Gujarat’s growth became a development model that other states could aspire to emulate,” Nabin said.He also referred to the government’s campaign against Naxalism and said PM Modi’s record should not be viewed only through economic or physical development.
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“Under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s progress has not been limited to material development; our cultural identity and heritage have also been strengthened,” he said.Nabin cited the Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath while discussing the government’s emphasis on cultural heritage.“From the Ram Mandir to Kashi Vishwanath, he has worked to preserve, restore, and develop the country’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.Describing PM Modi’s political journey, Nabin said, “His journey began as an ordinary party worker, and today, he has advanced the nation’s progress as its ‘Pradhan Sevak’. This has been made possible solely through his clear vision, firm resolve, and continuous efforts to bring about qualitative changes in society and transform lives.”PM Modi took oath as Gujarat’s 14th chief minister on October 7, 2001. He served as chief minister for nearly 13 years before moving to national politics and becoming Prime Minister in 2014.
