YSR Congress Rules Out Early Assembly Elections Speculations In Andhra Pradesh, Affirms Commitment To Full Term

Ramakrishna Reddy clarified that there is no proposal to advance the polls, which are scheduled for April-May next year, along with the Lok Sabha elections.

Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, the advisor to the Andhra Pradesh government and General Secretary of the YSRCP, dismissed speculations of early Assembly elections in the state on Thursday. Reddy clarified that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had no plans to advance the polls, contrary to rumours triggered by his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The speculations had suggested that the Chief Minister might consider early elections. However, Reddy categorically stated that the scheduled elections in April-May next year, along with the Lok Sabha elections, would proceed as planned.

"There is no question of early elections. We respect the people's mandate. We will fully utilize the five-year term. We will serve the people, and we will work until the last day," Reddy told reporters.

Highlighting the Chief Minister's confidence in securing positive votes, Reddy stated, "We promise what we can deliver, and we deliver what we promise. That's the reason people are with us."

Reddy further clarified that the Chief Minister's visits to Delhi were primarily focused on securing funds owed to the state from the central government. He reiterated that the YSRCP government was committed to completing its full term and would provide a detailed account of its accomplishments over the past five years to the people. "We have repeatedly stated, and we reiterate it once again: there will be no early elections," Reddy affirmed.

Taking aim at opposition parties, Reddy criticized their lack of confidence in winning the elections. He specifically targeted TDP President Chandrababu Naidu, recalling his decision to advance elections in 2004 following a Maoist attack, which was seen as an attempt to gain public sympathy. Reddy suggested that the speculations being spread by the TDP and its affiliated media were aimed at energizing their cadre, attracting candidates, or enticing Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan to join their party.

Emphasizing that there was still ample time until May for elections, Reddy advised Naidu to utilize the time to solidify alliances with other parties.