Meet India’s Longest-Serving Chief Ministers
Nitish Kumar’s 10th oath-taking brings attention to India's longest-serving chief ministers. Their journeys include decades of leadership, challenges, and historic milestones.
With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieving a decisive victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, Janata Dal (United) leader and the state's longest-serving Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has taken office for the 10th term.
This remarkable political journey raises a question: who are the longest-serving chief ministers in India?
Here are the ten longest-serving chief ministers of India:
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Pawan Kumar Chamling, Sikkim led the state for 25 years. He once survived an assassination attempt in 2001 and went on to win five consecutive terms.
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Naveen Patnaik, Odisha ruled for 24 years. He first assumed office in 2000 and slowly learned Odia after taking charge.
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Jyoti Basu, West Bengal served for 23 years. He turned down the chance to become Prime Minister, later calling it a “historic blunder.”
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Gegong Apang, Arunachal Pradesh served for 22 years across two terms. His rule was overshadowed by a ?1,000 crore PDS scam.
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Lal Thanhawla, Mizoram led for 22 years across multiple tenures. He once faced criticism after being photographed wearing a Rolex watch.
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Virbhadra Singh, Himachal Pradesh served 21 years and faced scrutiny over disproportionate assets.
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Manik Sarkar, Tripura ruled for 19 years and was known as India’s poorest Chief Minister.
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Nitish Kumar, Bihar served for 19 years across multiple terms, including a seven-day first term.
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M. Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu served 18 years and also wrote over 50 films.
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Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab served 18 years and became India’s youngest Chief Minister at 42.
From Chamling’s record-breaking tenure to Nitish Kumar’s 10th oath, these leaders shaped their states through consistency, controversies, comebacks, and political mastery.
