As Narendra Modi's electoral hat-trick set off debate about his national role, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar today virtually batted for him as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate saying the outcome showed a new leader who can guide the nation is emerging.

"The (Gujarat) poll results have shown that a new leader who can guide the future of the country is emerging," he said congratulating Modi for retaining power in the assembly polls for the third time in a row.

In a statement, Shettar said it is a victory of good governance and development.
He also said the people of Gujarat have accorded their approval for "exceptional development politics" pursued by Modi during last eleven years which has come to be known as Gujarat Model.

The BJP cadre across the country, especially in the states like Karnataka which are going to polls shortly, are enthused by the party's victory in Gujarat, Shettar said.