Even as speculation is rife that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao may go for early polls before his entire term is completed, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer said that they would be prepared for the same, if the Election Commission wishes to prepone the dates.
“It is hereby clarified that the Election Commission of India has given a schedule for preparation of Electoral Rolls which will be completed by January 1, 2019 and the same was informed to the press. However, it is informed that if ECI, which is the competent authority, takes a considered view for declaring dates for early conduct of general elections to Legislative Assembly and Parliament, the elections will be conducted accordingly,” a letter by the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Rajat Kumar, stated.
Earlier this week, KCR appealed to people to continue their support in his pursuit to transform the state into a 'golden Telangana'.
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief, who recently dropped hints of polls being advanced, said the blessings of the people were a source of strength for him.
In his speech at the main official function to mark India's 72nd Independence, he recalled the struggle for Telangana state under his leadership and said the people did not rest till achieving the goal which was considered impossible by many.
He claimed that the government not only put to rest all doubts about the viability of Telangana as a state but made it a model for the entire country.
In June this year, KCR said that the leaders of his party and even people were ready for early elections. He exuded confidence that TRS will win over 100 seats in 119-member state assembly.
Elections to Telangana assembly are scheduled in April-May next year along with Lok Sabha polls but ever since the TRS chief's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June, there have been reports of the polls being advanced.