Assembly polls will not be held before schedule: Bhupinder Singh Hooda

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said there is no plan to prepone Assembly elections in the state-- which are due in October this year-- and it will be held on time. "There is no proposal whatsoever to prepone them," Hooda told reporters here after chairing the state cabinet meeting. He was asked if there was any possibility that the Assembly polls may be held before their scheduled time.

Hooda made it clear that Congress is fully geared up and in a strong position to face the Assembly elections.

Recently, Hooda had termed the Lok Sabha polls a semi-final before the October elections to the state Assembly.

In reply to a question about the meeting of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), held here today, Hooda said it resolved that all party workers and office bearers would work together to further strengthen the party for the upcoming Assembly elections. "The party would emerge victorious in the Assembly polls," he said.

Answering a question on the results of exit polls with regard to Haryana, Hooda said,"The final picture would only be clear on May 16 after the counting of the votes." On being asked why the Cabinet had not taken any decision on toll tax today as it was expected that the tax may be reduced within the state, Hooda said a decision on it has been deferred till next Cabinet meeting as Model Code of Conduct is in existence.

In reply to a question regarding conversion of forest land, Hooda said that no forest land has been converted in the state and there is no such proposal.