Top officials from India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are vowing the Hindu nationalists will remain in power despite dissension among coalition allies in the aftermath of sectarian violence. 

Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani is quoted as saying the government is running smoothly. He spoke Saturday at a party conference in the beach resort of Miramar. 

However, the BJP's largest ally, the Telugu Desam Party, is condemning proposals to hold early elections in BJP-controlled Gujarat - where Hindu-Muslim violence has killed over 800 people since late February. Most of the victims have been Muslims. 

The Telugu Desam Party wants Gujarat's Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, to be removed from power immediately, as does the opposition, for failing to rein in the violence. BJP officials insist Mr. Modi should remain in power, but that elections should be held early. 

Meanwhile, opposition leader Sonia Gandhi says the dispute has the potential to bring down the government while adding that her Congress Party is ready if new national elections are called. Speaking at the end of her own party's conference, she also said she was ready to work with any other parties to form an alternative. 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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