Just after being elected, he faced the 2002 Gujarat riots. He sought help from other state governments and from the federal government, but in vain. Due to his planning and strict law enforcement, he was successful to end the violence. Just after the riots ended, an attack on the Akshardham Temple by the terrorists again brought tensions among the communities. Finally, the tensions got solved, peace was brought amongst people, the work of reconstruction and further developments were begun. Streets were planned, roads were constructed, employment opportunities were brought, many Indian as well as international companies began to invest in Gujarat, corruption was eliminated, security was tightened, etc. By seeing his work, the BJP heads asked him to be the PM Candidate for the 2014 Indian general election. He campaigned all over India. His popularity resulted in him being prominently targeted by terrorists. He also survives an attempt made by the terrorists to assassinate him.