Sonia virtually rules out possibility of mid-term polls

NEW DELHI: Virtually ruling out the possibility of mid-term polls to Lok Sabha in the backdrop of UPA-left standoff on the nuclear deal, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday categorically stated that the next general elections would be held in 2009.

"You all know that the Lok Sabha elections are due in 2009," she told the delegates at the All India Congress Committee session here.

Her remarks assume significance in view of speculation of mid-term polls with the Left parties unhappy over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Asking partymen to pull up their socks ahead of the assembly polls, she reminded Congress workers of the upcoming elections in two states including Gujarat next month.

She said that in 2008, a number of states would go to polls where the party would face a tough challenge.

Gandhi tersely told the partymen to forget their posts and positions in the party and work unitedly for the party with full dedication. "If the party is strong, every member and worker will get a strength." she said.

In an obvious reference to internal bickerings in Congress units in some states, Gandhi reminded partymen that the party alone was supreme and no leader or faction is above it.