BJP celebrates Shah's elevation

Lucknow, July 9 (IANS) BJP activists broke into celebrations Wednesday after Amit Shah, who led the party to victory in the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh, was named the party's new national president.

As soon as the announcement was made by outgoing BJP president and Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, crackers were burst outside the party office here.

Several party members broke into jigs and distributed sweets.

State BJP spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak told IANS that Shah had amply proved his managerial skills by helping the Bharatiya Janata Party to win 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the sprawling state.

"Amit Shah came to UP where the BJP had suffered a humiliating defeat in 2012. He not only revived the party cadres but ensured a great victory," said Pathak.