Senior Gujarat minister Anandiben Patel was Wednesday unanimously elected the leader of the BJP Legislature Party here, making her the chief minister designate to succeed Narendra Modi.
A teacher-turned-politician, Patel, 73, will be sworn in as the state's first woman chief minister Thursday.
Addressing BJP legislators, a teary eyed Patel promised to continue the "glorious traditions of her predecessor" Modi, who is set to take over as India's prime minister.
