Ruling Party Calls for Early Vote in Gujarat

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party urged early elections in riot-racked Gujarat state after calls by its allies and the opposition to remove the state chief minister, accused of turning a blind eye to religious violence.

The political crisis in Gujarat has threatened to engulf Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s federal coalition.

BJP leaders gathered for a party meeting in the southwestern state of Goa said there was no question of replacing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and instead asked him to dissolve the state assembly and hold elections a year ahead of schedule. Hours earlier, Modi had offered to resign.