New Delhi : Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju praised the parliamentary reforms and landmark legislation enacted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year tenure, stating they would be “written in golden letters” in India’s history. He made these remarks on June 11 in a video message marking Modi’s milestone as the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India.
Rijiju highlighted that Parliament had taken several “revolutionary decisions” transforming governance and strengthening democracy. “I believe that on the completion of 12 years of honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the achievements of these 12 years, if seen one by one, are historic. From the perspective of Parliament, the revolutionary decisions Parliament has passed, established, and decided to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’, the steps taken in 12 years, I believe, will always be written in golden letters,” he said.
The minister stressed that while Modi’s long term as Prime Minister was significant, the legislative and institutional changes introduced during this period were equally important. He cited the construction of the new Parliament building as a defining achievement, noting that the old building had faced structural and logistical challenges despite repeated demands for replacement. The new building was completed in record time and symbolises India’s transition from colonial-era institutions to a modern democratic framework.
Rijiju also noted the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, calling it a historic step toward greater political representation for women.
Among major legislative measures passed during Modi’s tenure, the minister listed the abrogation of Article 370, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), repeal of 1,725 obsolete laws, constitutional status for the National Commission for Backward Classes through the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, and a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.
He also referenced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, known as the Triple Talaq law, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, labour reforms via four labour codes, the Aadhaar Act, and the Jan Vishwas Act aimed at improving ease of living and doing business.
Rijiju described the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam as historic reforms replacing colonial-era criminal laws.
The minister further highlighted parliamentary digitisation, stating that both Houses had become largely paperless, enabling MPs to submit questions, notices, and access legislative documents electronically. He pointed to the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) as a major step to integrate legislative bodies nationwide under a unified digital platform.
Rijiju’s remarks came a day after NDA leaders convened in New Delhi to celebrate Modi completing 4,399 days in office, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record as India’s longest-serving Prime Minister. Several NDA leaders, including Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and Union Minister Anupriya Patel, congratulated Modi, describing his tenure as a period of transformative governance and development.
