An affirmation of people’s confidence, says Murmu while veep likens PM Modi to Lincoln

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday on achieving the milestone of becoming India's longest-serving elected PM and said that India has witnessed significant transformations across all facets of national life during his tenure. “This milestone is therefore not merely a matter of the longest duration in this public office; it is an affirmation of the confidence that the people of India have reposed in your leadership...” the president said in a letter to Modi. “Having witnessed the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups over generations, I was deeply touched by your compassion for the marginalised sections of our society...” Murmu added. Noting that India has witnessed progress under PM’s leadership across every sphere, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said in a social media post that while Abraham Lincoln had liberated millions from the bondage of slavery, Modi has liberated over 25 crore people from the grip of absolute poverty. Speaker Om Birla wrote to Modi, describing his tenure as a period of transformational governance, democratic consolidation, economic growth, social reform and enhanced global stature for India.