India made a new history during Modi’s 12-year tenure: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses a press conference at the BJP office in Patna on Wednesday (June 17, 2026). | Photo credit: ANI

Marking the completion of 12 years of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) that India has achieved historic milestones in development, good governance, security and self-reliance in recent years.

Mr. Chouhan was in Patna to attend several programs organized by the state government and the Bihar BJP. Along with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, he said that today India has established itself as a strong, confident and influential nation on the global stage.

He also addressed a press conference at the Bihar BJP office where he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has prepared the scenarios of a new history of development. He noted that the sacred land of Bihar has been a center of knowledge, penance, sacrifice and workplace of great personalities and that a visit to this place always fills him with energy and inspiration.

He pointed out that before 2014, the country was facing a phase of despair and uncertainty, but under Mr. Modi’s leadership, India had acquired a new direction and momentum. Mr. Chouhan emphasized that the central government, guided by the principle that national interest is paramount, dealt decisive blows to terrorism and Maoism.

He described that measures like abrogation of Article 370 on Kashmir, surgical strikes, airstrikes and Operation Sindoor demonstrated to the world India’s newfound strength.

The Union minister emphasized that the biggest achievement of the Modi government in the last 12 years has been the welfare of the poor. He noted that 25 million people were lifted above the poverty line, 4 million poor families got permanent housing and more than 60 million people benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

“Free rations are provided to 81 million people across the country, while 58 million Jan Dhan accounts have given a new direction to financial inclusion. The government has given top priority to women empowerment. 3 million women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across the country. Institutional delivery rate has increased from 98% to 68% and financial assistance ratio has also increased from 98% to 68%. It has been provided to thousands street vendors through the PM SVANidhi scheme,” said Mr. Chouhan.

Highlighting the achievements in the agriculture sector, he pointed out the record increase in food grain production and added that schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and fertilizer subsidy have given immense relief to farmers. He noted that India, once an importer of food grains, is now rapidly moving towards becoming an agriculturally self-sufficient economy.

He also mentioned that the ‘Digital India’ campaign has led to an unprecedented increase in UPI transactions, making India a global leader in digital payments. He also added that initiatives like Vande Bharat trains, modern infrastructure, new education policy, startup culture and semiconductor manufacturing are laying a solid foundation for ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India).

Mr. Chouhan also said that the Central Government preserves the national cultural heritage and pride along with its development. He expressed his belief that under Modi’s leadership, India is moving rapidly towards becoming a “Vishwa Guru” (global leader).

Published – 18 Jun 2026 02:35 IST