Former Gujarat chief minister, Keshubhai Patel, on Thursday conceded Bharatiya Janata Party's leadership in the state to his successor Narendra Modi, saying the party had fought the present election under him.

Keshubhai, who had reluctantly stepped down from the chief minister's post paving the way for Narendra Modi to take over the mantle in October 2001, was speaking to reporters after casting his vote.

He said the BJP would win 130 of the 181 seats, polling for which took place on Thursday. He said his assessment was based on visits to various constituencies and an "understanding" of the mind of the people.

Keshubhai said he had expected a large turnout of voters in rural areas as "polling booths were set up near their houses."

Answering a query, he said if voted to power, the party high command would decide who would be the next chief minister of Gujarat.

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