PM Modi may announce poll shocker in Independence Day speech

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day may give an indication on snap Lok Sabha elections from the ramparts of the Red Fort, BJP sources said, pointing to the party chief’s message to all state units to prepare for general elections.

Next parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in May 2019, but saffron corridors are abuzz with speculation that the ruling BJP may advance them and hold them along with Assembly elections later this year in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The BJP’s state units, including Delhi, have be-en asked to step up mass contact programme, stre-ngthen organisation and booth level activities apart from highlighting achievements of the Modi government — instructi-ons that are being seen as a precursor to snap polls.

“The party high command has signalled to start preparation for Lok Sabha polls without any delay,” said a senior BJP leader, adding that there is no specific indication on the time of the snap polls.

“The instructions are to reach out to people with the achievements of the Modi government and the pro-poor, pro-farmer Budget presented earlier this month,” said a senior leader.

Strengthening the organisation at booth level is a key focus of the party to win a second term for the Modi government. “State units have also been directed to develop the booth level teams. State leaders must regularly get in touch with booth level workers,” he added, quoting the instructions given by the high command.

Sources told this newspaper that the governme-nt is planning to advance the general election by five or six months and is keen to hold them in November-December this year.

“If the government decides to hold early elections then it will held around year-end when bigger states like Rajashthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh go to polls,” he added.