Early Lok Sabha polls possible as BJP likely to lose polls in 3 states: Jaipal Reddy

Senior Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy claimed that early Lok Sabha polls were possible as the BJP was likely to lose Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not want to face the electorate with a "handicapped image".

The former Union Minister claimed that the BJP would receive "huge reverses" in the three states, where elections were due later this year.

"The reason is simple. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, BJP is likely to lose heavily. After that, Modi will not be able to face the country," Reddy told PTI.

"Therefore, he (Modi) does not want take the responsibility for the defeat there (in the three states)", Reddy said, adding, "after that, BJP as a losing party will be emphasised".

"In view of the bleak prospects for the BJP in the three states, Mr. Modi may prefer to advance the polls so that he does not have to go with a handicapped image. It is likely," he said, but hastened to add, "Who can say for sure in politics?"