Lok Sabha elections are going to be held in 2014 but most of the political parties have already started preparations, triggering speculations that elections may held early.

Last month, Samajwadi Party chief Mulyam Singh Yadav asked his party workers to prepare themselves for early polls.

Taking cue from Mulayam Singh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati too asked her party cadres to quicken up preparations for early general election.

And now, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar suggested the possibility of general elections this year.

While Pawar’s NCP is a major partner in the Congress-led UPA government at the centre, Mayawati’s party offers external support to the ruling coalition.

Pawar has already told the NCP ministers that Lok Sabha polls may be held later this year.

“Whether the election will be announced soon after the presentation of the Union Budget or in early winter months this year cannot be predicted now. Nothing can be said as of now. Even state assembly elections can be advanced. The Congress can fight these elections on its own, ignoring the alliance partners. Accordingly, (NCP) ministers should now concentrate on the drought-like situation prevailing in 13 districts of the state,” said the NCP chief.

Pawar’s statement has confused the party leaders and fuelled speculations about the uncertainty regarding the Lok Sabha elections.

NCP stronghold in western Maharashtra is severely affected by the scarcity of water and this is going to be a major factor.

Pawar wants the presence of his party leaders in these areas to help NCP maintain its grip in the regions, and prevent any anti-incumbent wave.