Modi’s Enduring Legacy: The Leader Who Outlasted Nations’ Leaders
In the complex world of democratic politics, leadership longevity is often a rare phenomenon. Governments rise and fall, leaders gain power and lose it, and approval ratings fluctuate with the winds of changing public sentiment. Yet amidst this backdrop of instability, one leader has emerged as a figure of extraordinary resilience and continuity: Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.
Over the last eleven years, Modi has not only reshaped India’s political landscape but has also stood as a global constant while world leaders have come and gone. He has outlasted 9 Prime Ministers of Nepal (soon 10), 5 Prime Ministers of Pakistan, 6 Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, 3 Japanese Prime Ministers (soon 4), 4 US Presidents, 4 Sri Lankan Presidents, and 2 French Presidents.
Most striking of all, in spite of more than a decade in office, Modi continues to command a towering approval rating of over 70%, a feat virtually unparalleled in global democratic politics.
This combination of longevity, stability, and sustained public trust invites us to examine not just Modi’s leadership but also the unique circumstances and qualities that have allowed him to remain firmly at the helm while others faltered.
The Paradox of Democratic Leadership
Democracy, by design, thrives on change. Leaders are expected to rise, deliver, and eventually step aside, allowing new voices to shape the nation. Yet Modi’s leadership represents a paradox: a democratic leader whose dominance has endured far longer than most of his global counterparts.
The contrast becomes stark when one observes the rapid turnover of leaders across South Asia, Europe, and beyond. In Nepal and Pakistan, political instability has been a recurring theme, often leading to coalition breakdowns, abrupt resignations, or institutional interventions. In the UK, party politics and internal rivalries have created a revolving door of Prime Ministers. In the US, fixed term limits ensure turnover every four or eight years.
India, under Modi, has bucked this trend. Not only has he maintained his hold on power, but he has expanded his influence with each passing election.
"In a world of political uncertainty, stability itself becomes leadership’s greatest achievement." ~ Adarsh Singh
Why Has Modi Outlasted So Many?
Several factors converge to explain Modi’s unusual longevity:
1. A Strong Political Mandate
Since his first victory in 2014, Modi has enjoyed a clear majority in Parliament, a rarity in India’s coalition-driven politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under his leadership consolidated its position not just in national politics but also across many states, ensuring organizational strength at every level.
2. A Charismatic Connect with the Masses
Narendra Modi is not just a politician; he is a phenomenon. His ability to communicate directly with citizens through speeches, radio programs like Mann Ki Baat, and social media campaigns has given him a unique edge. He embodies both the leader and the relatable figure who speaks the language of the people.
"Leadership is not about power over people, it is about power with people." ~ Adarsh Singh
3. A Narrative of National Pride
From the very beginning, Modi positioned himself as a leader who would restore India’s pride on the global stage. Whether it is through strong diplomatic engagements, the promotion of cultural heritage, or ambitious projects like Digital India and Make in India, Modi has kept national identity at the center of his narrative.
4. Delivery of Tangible Policies
Schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the electrification of villages created visible impacts in the lives of ordinary citizens. In democracies, delivering on promises is often the difference between longevity and failure.
5. A Robust Organizational MachineryThe BJP’s grassroots presence and the ideological framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ensure that Modi’s message penetrates even the most remote villages. This organizational backing has given him an unparalleled political safety net.
Comparisons with Other Global Leaders
The magnitude of Modi’s staying power becomes clearer when compared to his global counterparts.
In Nepal, frequent changes in government have reflected a fragile democratic system struggling to stabilize.
In Pakistan, military interference and internal party struggles have repeatedly destabilized civilian governments.
In the UK, internal party disputes and challenges of Brexit have created a cycle of resignations and replacements.
In Japan, Prime Ministers often face short-lived tenures due to party infighting or public discontent.
In the US, term limits naturally restrict the time any leader can serve, and approval ratings often decline significantly during the second term.
In Sri Lanka and France, economic and political crises have cut short many leaders’ ambitions.
Against this backdrop, Modi’s continuity appears almost exceptional. He is not only outlasting leaders but also outshining them in terms of sustained public approval.
Approval Ratings: The Modi Exception
Globally, leaders tend to start their tenure with high approval ratings, which gradually decline as fatigue, opposition, and dissatisfaction set in. For example:
US Presidents often end their terms with approval ratings in the 40s or even lower.
UK Prime Ministers usually leave office amidst deep unpopularity.
Japanese leaders often resign under pressure after approval dips into the 30s.
Modi, by contrast, has consistently held approval ratings above 65 - 70% even after eleven years in power. This suggests not only personal popularity but also a broad base of trust in his leadership.
"When people believe their leader walks with them, approval becomes loyalty, and loyalty becomes history." ~ Adarsh Singh
Global Visibility and India’s Rise
Another dimension of Modi’s tenure is the transformation of India’s image on the world stage. He has projected India as not just an emerging power but a nation whose voice matters in global discussions, whether on climate change, digital transformation, counter-terrorism, or global health.
From the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations to India’s leadership in the G20 Summit of 2023, Modi has intertwined India’s cultural heritage with its modern ambitions.
This growing global visibility further reinforces his position at home: Indians see in him a leader who is not only shaping domestic policies but also commanding respect abroad.
The Challenge of Leadership Fatigue
Yet, sustaining such dominance is not without its challenges. Leadership fatigue is a common risk: over time, citizens may desire change simply for novelty. Moreover, policy decisions, no matter how well-intended, often produce both beneficiaries and critics.
The key difference in Modi’s case is how he frames setbacks within a larger narrative of progress and transformation. Instead of allowing criticism to define him, he consistently repositions himself as a leader working for the “long-term vision” of India.
"True leadership is the ability to transform criticism into energy that fuels greater achievement." ~ Adarsh Singh
The Spiritual Dimension of Modi’s Leadership
Unlike many global leaders who rely solely on political strategies, Modi has often drawn upon India’s spiritual traditions in his public life. His emphasis on yoga, meditation, and cultural identity reflects not just politics but a deeper connection to India’s soul.
This spiritual undertone resonates strongly with millions, creating an aura of purpose that goes beyond mere governance. It frames his leadership as part of a larger destiny, rather than just an electoral cycle.
Modi as a Symbol of Indian Democracy
Perhaps the most profound aspect of Modi’s longevity is what it symbolizes: the stability and maturity of Indian democracy. At a time when many democracies are struggling with polarization, fragmentation, or institutional crises, India has remained relatively stable under his leadership.
He represents the paradox of a leader who is both deeply popular and deeply polarizing, yet undeniably central to India’s democratic journey.
"Democracy thrives when it finds a leader who can embody the voice of millions without silencing dissent." ~ Adarsh Singh
Looking Ahead: The Road Beyond Eleven Years
As Modi continues into his second decade of leadership, the questions shift from his survival to his legacy. Will he be remembered primarily for economic reforms, for India’s rise as a global power, or for reshaping the nation’s political culture?
There is also the question of succession, whether his leadership style has created the space for future leaders within the BJP, or whether his towering presence will make it harder for others to step forward.
Whatever the future holds, one truth is clear: Modi has already secured his place in history as a leader who defied the odds of democratic politics.
The Endurance of a Vision
Narendra Modi’s journey as India’s Prime Minister is not just about political strategy or electoral victories. It is about a vision that has captured the imagination of millions and a style of leadership that has redefined what is possible in a democracy.
He has stood the test of time, not merely by surviving, but by continuously evolving, adapting, and leading with conviction.
"Leaders come and go, but history remembers only those who outlast time, outshine challenges, and outlive the doubts cast upon them." ~ Adarsh Singh
And in this, Modi has already carved his legacy.
Tue Sep 9, 2025
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