Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar, 7 October 2025: October 7, 2001, was significant for Indian politics. Narendra Modi that day became the 14th Chief Minister of Gujarat at the age of 51. I was some four years old in journalism and a junior scribe who was witnessing and putting in text the public affairs for a leading daily of Gujarat. Marking this day, here’s my reporting notes recollected from that day.

In a historic and grand ceremony attended by over 50,000 people, Shri Narendra Modi was sworn in as the 21st Chief Minister of Gujarat on Sunday, 7th of October 2001 morning. The oath of office and secrecy was administered to Shri Modi by then Governor Shri S. S. Bhandari at exactly 11:06 a.m., marking the beginning of a new chapter in Gujarat’s political leadership.

The function took place in Gandhinagar amid a massive and disciplined crowd that filled the entire venue, waving banners that read “Aapnu Gujarat, Aagvu Gujarat”. The event drew an impressive gathering of national leaders, Union ministers, chief ministers, and party workers from across the country.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in a festive atmosphere amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and patriotic fervor. The function was attended by then BJP National President Shri Jana Krishnamurthy, Union Home Minister Shri L. K. Advani, NDA Convener Shri George Fernandes, Union Ministers Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Ram Vilas Paswan, Arun Jaitley, Suresh Prabhu, Shanta Kumar, Kashiram Rana, Jaywantiben Mehta, and I. D. Swami.

Also present were former Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Keshubhai Patel, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Om Prakash Chautala, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.

Among other dignitaries were former BJP President Shri Bangaru Laxman, BJP National Spokesperson Shri Sunil Shastri, former Delhi Chief Minister Madanlal Khurana, Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Shri D. M. Dharmadhikari, television journalist Shri Rajat Sharma, and film and television actor Shri Mukesh Khanna.

All ministers, including Modi, took their oaths in Gujarati and in the name of God. In a departure from tradition, each minister was administered the oath individually rather than collectively. As a result, the ceremony lasted about 35 minutes, from 11:05 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., unlike earlier ceremonies that typically concluded within 10–15 minutes.

The Gujarat Congress boycotted the entire swearing-in ceremony, protesting against the high expenditure incurred on its organization. Congress leaders said it was inappropriate to spend lavishly on such a grand function when many people affected by the January earthquake were still struggling to rebuild their lives.

October 7th, 2001: On this historic day 22 years ago, @narendramodi took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

At just 51 years old, he had never held public office before. pic.twitter.com/AaHpv2kuIx

— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) October 7, 2023

The ceremony was notable not only for its scale but also for its hi-tech presentation — it was webcast live for the first time in the state’s history. The arrangements were extensive, with large tents erected to provide shade, institutional arrangements for drinking water, and well-planned seating for about 30,000 to 35,000 attendees. However, the turnout far exceeded expectations, with tens of thousands standing under the blazing sun to witness the event.

Despite the unbearable heat, the crowd remained calm and enthusiastic. Thousands of water pouches were distributed throughout the venue to keep attendees hydrated. Volunteers and local organizations ensured a continuous supply of drinking water and refreshments, while simple vegetarian meals were served to party workers and invitees who had arrived early from distant districts.

Many participants had traveled long distances at their own expense, arranging their own transport, food, and accommodation. Lists later revealed that BJP workers had voluntarily contributed for food, tea, and water expenses, refusing any official reimbursement — a gesture that highlighted the spirit of volunteerism and discipline among the cadre.

Throughout the event, the crowd’s excitement was palpable. Slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Aapnu Gujarat, Aagvu Gujarat” echoed through the venue. After taking the oath at exactly 11:06 a.m., Chief Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering and urged them to repeat his slogan “Aapnu Gujarat, Aagvu Gujarat”, to which the massive crowd responded enthusiastically in unison.

Following the ceremony, Modi climbed into an open jeep and moved among the workers, greeting them warmly amid thunderous applause and cheers.

Around 300 photographers and videographers from across India were present to cover the event. Leading journalists, television channels, and news agencies broadcast the ceremony and captured the historic moment for national audiences.

Among those present from Gujarat were State BJP President Shri Rajendrasinh Rana, Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Dhirubhai Shah, MP Shri Vallabh Kathiriya, various MLAs, corporation chairpersons, senior bureaucrats, judges, and BJP workers from every district.

The ceremony concluded with the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” played by the police band. As the event ended, thousands of BJP workers waved flags and banners, vowing support for Modi’s leadership and his call for unity and progress.

After the oath-taking ceremony, Gandhinagar was transformed into about 15 banquets. Food arrangements were made for BJP workers and VIPs at 10 places in the ministers’ bungalows. The bungalow area was packed with workers flocking to the ministers’ bungalows for food. Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited all the banquets and met the workers.

The banquet for the Surat workers was held at the official residence of Narottambhai Patel, where about three thousand workers enjoyed the meal.

A banquet was organized for the NDA leaders and top BJP leaders at the number one bungalow cum guesthouse of former Chief Minister Shri Keshubhai Patel. There was a meal here befitting a dignitary. Union ministers and leaders enjoyed Gujarati food. L. K. Advani and Ram Vilas Paswan also enjoyed Gujarati food here. Despite the VIPs dining in bungalow number one, the workers had rushed inside.

Arrangements were made for workers from Saurashtra to eat. They were enjoying their food in the lounge at Vajubhai Wala’s residence.

Arrangements were made for BJP workers from North Gujarat to eat at Naranbhai Patel’s bungalow. Around four thousand workers enjoyed the food here. While separate arrangements were made for workers from Panchmahal-Dahod.

Arrangements were also made for Gujarati journalists in the canteen of the old secretariat.

Snack packets were given to workers from Ahmedabad and nearby areas. While there was a rush of workers to eat at the residences of MLAs and the canteen of MLAs in Sector-21. Food was served to about 40,000 party workers. DeshGujarat