New Delhi, Mar 2 (IANS): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was the toast of the BJP's national council meeting that began here Saturday with party president Rajnath Singh repeatedly referring to him as the next prime minister.

However, Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel said: "The decision has not been taken (to project him as the prime ministerial candidate). Every child wants it."

Rajnath Singh referred to Modi as a "popular chief minister" at beginning of his speech.

He said that every BJP worker was proud that the party had won for third successive time in Gujarat. Modi is being seen as the party's lead campaigner in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"Narendra Modi was successful for the third time. Every worker and leader was filled with joy when he won (in December). The party had not seen such success under the leadership of an individual. It is new record in the BJP's history," Rajnath Singh said.

He said the international community, including the US and the European Union, were praising development and "good governance" in Gujarat.

The BJP's national council meeting ends Sunday.