Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has made it clear that assembly elections will not be held in the state this year, even if the Lok Sabha elections are advanced to November.
"However, if the Lok Sabha elections are held early next year, assembly elections could be held simultaneously," Reddy told media persons, in the backdrop of intense speculations that the Lok Sabha elections could be advanced because of the possible break up of UPA-Left ties over Indo-US nuclear deal.
"We are not ready for elections to the state assembly this year. The elections are due in May next year but if needed, the party can opt for the polls in February or March," he said.
Dr Reddy also agreed that if less than six months were left for the completion of the assembly term, the Election Commission will have the discretion to take a decision whether to hold simultaneous polls.
It may be recalled that Andhra Pradesh had simultaneous polls to the state assembly and the Lok Sabha in 2004. The then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recommended early dissolution of assembly and advancing of polls with a hope of getting sympathy of the people after the near successful attempt on his life by the Maoist in October 2003. But the election commission did not advance the polls.
Describing the Congress as the defending champion in the next elections, the chief minister exuded confidence that it will again emerge triumphant over any challenge, including that from the proposed party of film star Chiranjeevi.
Brushing aside queries on Chiranjeevi's likely entry into politics, he said, "Let him come, then we will talk about it. Chiranjeevi can not be a challenge."
The chief minister said that in case Lok Sabha elections were advanced, the party will deliver the highest number of Lok Sabha seats from the state.
"We will win not less than 36 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats," he said.
In assembly elections, Reddy said the Congress will increase tally to 230 in the House of 294, up from 180 in 2004.