For the last few days, there has been a serious talk about the possibility of the Centre holding early elections to Parliament and some state assemblies, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Almost every political party, including the Congress, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, the Bharatiya Janata Party and even YSR Congress party have expressed their readiness to face early elections to the state assemblies in the Telugu states. Of course, there is no clarity yet from Jana Sena Party headed by power star Pawan Kalyan.
However, the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh seems to be terribly scared of facing early elections to the State assembly.
Though TDP president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been telling the party leaders to be prepared for elections, which might be announced any time, heart in hearts, he appears to be uncomfortable in facing the elections at this stage.
It was evident from the statement of his own son and TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh. He told media in Vijayawada that the TDP was not in favour of early elections to the state assembly.
“We are not ready for snap polls. The people have given the mandate for the TDP for five years and we shall rule the state for five years,” he said.
He even tried to pass the buck to the people, saying it was not just the TDP, but even the people of the state didn't want early elections in the state.
“They want the TDP to rule for a full term,” he said.
Lokesh further made it clear that he is ready to contest elections from any constituency.
"I am ready to contest from any corner of the state. I will definitely take part in direct elections," he said.
It is obvious that Naidu will be at a disadvantageous position if elections are held early, he has several things to do to appease voters before the elections.
He wants sufficient time to showcase Amaravati and Polavaram projects at least to some extent so that he can seek votes. If elections are advanced, he will not be in a position to take up any new schemes or complete the pending works!
