"She was a strict teacher. At times, it is good for the pupils," Modi said in a mischievous note amidst laughter, but dropped a hint at Patel's future tenure as chief minister.
"I governed the state for 4,609 days, and was elected four times as chief minister. I am thankful to the people of Gujarat for giving me an opportunity to serve them. I have served them and experienced the longest tenure as CM of this state. Gujarat has touched new heights of development and will continue in future. Now, I am a former chief minister," Modi said.
Bursting of crackers and fireworks greeted Patel's election as chief minister in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mehsana and other places by jubilant party workers.
