India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Narendra Modi, one of the country's most divisive politicians, as its prime-ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections.
Modi, 62, who heads the BJP government in the western state of Gujarat, is known as an efficient administrator who draws investments by cutting red-tape and improving infrastructure.
But he is also blamed for failing to control Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002 in which at least 1000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed.
BJP president Rajnath Singh announced the decision on Friday, saying the mood of the country and the wishes of party workers were considered.
Large numbers of Modi's supporters celebrated outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, shouting slogans, beating drums and waving flags.
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In a brief speech, Modi thanked the party. "Today the party's national leadership has chosen a small person like me from an insignificant hamlet for a huge responsibility," he said.
Modi said he would work hard to ensure a BJP victory in 2014.
The country was going through a crisis with rampant corruption and price rises, he said, and asked people to support the BJP to overcome the problems and ensure economic development.
