The state of Gujarat in western India is set to have elections in December, which will be a crucial test for the ruling Congress party amidst its current crisis. Election authorities have also announced dates for voting in Himachal Pradesh. This will be the first direct contest between Congress and the opposition BJP since recent political changes, particularly regarding the nuclear deal. The Congress, leading the ruling coalition, is facing opposition from leftist allies over the deal with the US, with threats of withdrawing support if the deal proceeds. If this scenario occurs, the government would become a minority and national elections could take place before the scheduled date in 2009. More than 30 million voters will participate in electing 182 seats in Gujarat through two phases on Dec. 11 and Dec. 16. The state is currently led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP, which has won the last three elections. Five years ago, Modi faced accusations of ignoring the violence during Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat, where human rights organizations claim around 2,500 people, primarily Muslims, were killed. The official death toll stands at about 1,000. The riots were sparked in 2002 following a fire on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims, resulting in the deaths of 59 individuals. The fire was alleged to have been started by a group of Muslim individuals.