AHMEDABAD, India (Reuters) - Narendra Modi formally took power as chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday, after a strong election victory that came as a shot in the arm for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The vote this month in Gujarat, one of India's most developed states, was seen as a barometer of the fortunes of India's two main parties in the run-up to a series of state elections next year and parliamentary polls due in early 2009.
Modi, who surprised pollsters and analysts by leading the BJP to a strong majority in Gujarat, was sworn-in for a third term at a stadium in Ahmedabad.
Thousands of supporters gathered at the venue, showering flowers at their leader. Many fasted all day as penance until the ceremony was completed.
"He is our leader, our hope and our true Hindu son," said 62-year-old Ramanlal Panchal, as he waited for Modi to arrive.
Modi and the BJP were forecast to have only a narrow edge ahead of the Dec. 11 and Dec. 16 two-stage poll with the Congress party, which is in power centrally, appearing to give him a tough fight.
During campaigning, Modi initially chose to seek votes on a platform of growth and development. But he returned to his pet hardline Hindu themes after apparently being provoked by Congress.
Modi is a hate figure for Muslims and millions of secular Hindus across the country. He stands accused of turning a blind eye, and even encouraging, the killing of 1,200 to 2,500 people, most of them Muslims, in communal riots in the state in 2002.
In an interview published in the Times of India on Tuesday, Modi suggested the appointment of an independent panel to investigate charges that his election campaign was communal.
"If they find that I have made a single communal speech, then I declare I will concede defeat," he said.
The vote this month in Gujarat, one of India's most developed states, was seen as a barometer of the fortunes of India's two main parties in the run-up to a series of state elections next year and parliamentary polls due in early 2009.
Modi, who surprised pollsters and analysts by leading the BJP to a strong majority in Gujarat, was sworn-in for a third term at a stadium in Ahmedabad.
Thousands of supporters gathered at the venue, showering flowers at their leader. Many fasted all day as penance until the ceremony was completed.
"He is our leader, our hope and our true Hindu son," said 62-year-old Ramanlal Panchal, as he waited for Modi to arrive.
Modi and the BJP were forecast to have only a narrow edge ahead of the Dec. 11 and Dec. 16 two-stage poll with the Congress party, which is in power centrally, appearing to give him a tough fight.
During campaigning, Modi initially chose to seek votes on a platform of growth and development. But he returned to his pet hardline Hindu themes after apparently being provoked by Congress.
Modi is a hate figure for Muslims and millions of secular Hindus across the country. He stands accused of turning a blind eye, and even encouraging, the killing of 1,200 to 2,500 people, most of them Muslims, in communal riots in the state in 2002.
In an interview published in the Times of India on Tuesday, Modi suggested the appointment of an independent panel to investigate charges that his election campaign was communal.
"If they find that I have made a single communal speech, then I declare I will concede defeat," he said.
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