Narendra Modi was elected leader of the BJP legislature party in Gujarat on Monday and he will be sworn in chief minister on December 22.

Senior minister in the caretaker government Ashok Bhatt proposed his name and six legislators seconded it at a meeting attended by BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu.

Those who seconded Modi's name were Ramanlal Vora from Idar, Mangubhai Patel from Navsari, Jashuben Korat from Jetpur, Narottam Patel from Chorasi, Sundersinh Chauhan from Mehmedabad and Bhupendrasinh Chudasama from Dholka assembly constituencies.

Following his appointment, Naidu felicitated Modi with a garland while former chief minister Keshubhai Patel presented him a turban.

BJP treasurer and in-charge of party affairs in Gujarat, Ramdas Agarwal, was also present.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his deputy Lal Kishenchand Advani will be present at the swearing-in ceremony, Naidu said.

Fresh from his victory, Modi remarked, "I can understand what will be their condition after the BJP's victory. They will not be able to digest it."

Modi also asked the Congress to be 'constructive' in their opposition so that the two together could take Gujarat to number one spot.

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