For the past few days, YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has been discussing the possibility of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in 2027.
He has repeatedly raised this topic in party meetings, expressing confidence that the Chandrababu Naidu government will not last beyond 2027 and predicting the YSRCP’s return to power.
Senior party leaders like V. Vijay Sai Reddy have also echoed the idea of simultaneous polls in 2027.
However, Naidu dismissed these discussions, stating in the state assembly on Friday that elections in Andhra Pradesh will occur as scheduled in 2029, irrespective of any plans for simultaneous elections at the national level.
According to sources, Naidu has received indications from the central government that simultaneous polls in 2027 are unlikely.
One major reason is the national census scheduled for 2026, which could extend into 2027.
Additionally, the census data is expected to pave the way for the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, leading to an increase in the number of MP and MLA seats across the country.
Sources suggest that simultaneous elections would only take place after clarity is achieved regarding the new constituency boundaries and the total number of seats.
Speculation is rife that a bill addressing this issue may be introduced during Parliament's winter session, starting November 25.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly discussed the matter with NDA allies, and a decision on the timeline for simultaneous elections is expected during the session.
