BJP marks Modi's 25 years in office as police brace for more protests

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a campaign called 'Seva Sankalp' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years as head of a government, according to DW. Modi was first sworn in as chief minister of the western state of Gujarat on 7 October 2001, DW reported. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in a post on X that Modi's 25 years showed service, dedication, good governance and strong willpower, and DW reported that several BJP politicians echoed his comments.

DW reported that a bike rally was at the center of the day's events. News agency ANI reported that participants arrived on bikes in Varanasi, in northern India, from Tirupati, in southern India, according to DW. A local minister from Uttar Pradesh said a team of 40 youths, who are also party office-bearers, covered 2,000 km (1,242 miles) after visiting the Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh, and said a temple would soon be built to mark the occasion.

DW reported that several BJP-ruled states are organizing public gatherings where speeches by Modi and BJP party president Nitin Nabin would be telecast on giant screens. DW said the BJP is celebrating his 25 years as head of a government with tweets, temple visits and at least one bike rally.

DW reported that, less than a day before Wednesday's events, leaders of India's opposition bloc marched on the Election Commission of India to demand a meeting over allegations of 'vote theft.' The march turned into a sit-in, and police detained several leaders including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister, lawmaker Priyanka Vadra, who were later released, according to DW. Gandhi said: 'We only want to go to the election commissioners, ask them questions, and tell them you have stolen votes.' DW reported that Gandhi has vowed retribution against 'traitors' who he claims have colluded to erode India's electoral roll during a revision exercise carried out under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

DW reported that authorities issued a prohibitory order in Delhi on Wednesday morning. According to DW, the order forbids sloganeering, speeches and public assemblies, and arms police to detain demonstrators for disturbing public peace. DW reported visuals from central Delhi on Wednesday morning showing significant police presence, barricades and diverted routes, and said police increased security in anticipation of more protests.