BJP leaders seem to be employing a strategy reminiscent of KCR’s approach in Telangana before the 2018 elections. They are strategically dropping hints, partial hints, and even suggesting next year’s elections to create confusion among the opposition. Their primary aim appears to be catching opposition parties off guard, denying them ample time for election preparation. At the central level, BJP leaders believe that diving into the campaign without finalizing candidate selections is the optimal path forward.
Recent surveys have already forewarned of potential setbacks for the BJP in Karnataka, and the impending five-state assembly elections pose formidable challenges for the party. Leaders within the India Alliance are indicating a preference for conducting Lok Sabha elections and some state assembly elections in November of this year, and there are clear indications supporting this stance.
While assembly elections for five states, including Telangana, are scheduled for November and December this year, conducting partial assembly elections next year for the Lok Sabha and 10 to 12 state assemblies introduces constitutional complexities. It won’t be straightforward to postpone the assembly elections in Telangana and four other states, as states like Telangana and Rajasthan are less likely to agree to President’s rule.
On the flip side, advancing the Lok Sabha elections and holding them in November can be relatively straightforward. This process simply requires a government decision and the announcement of parliament dissolution. Following the approval of key bills in special parliamentary sessions, the central government can proceed accordingly. In this evolving scenario, leaders of the India Alliance are contemplating the possibility of early elections for the Lok Sabha and several state assemblies, including those in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, in November.