Modi was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 , due to Keshubhai Patel 's failing health and poor public image following the earthquake in Bhuj . Modi was elected to the legislative assembly soon after . His administration has been considered complicit in the 2002 Gujarat riots , or otherwise criticised for its handling of it . A Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team found no evidence to initiate prosecution proceedings against Modi personally . His policies as chief minister , credited with encouraging economic growth , have received praise . His administration has been criticised for failing to significantly improve health , poverty , and education indices in the state
earthquake in Bhuj
2001 Gujarat earthquake
Narendra Modi