Bhubaneshwar: The BJD on Friday indicated its support for simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, saying it is “always ready” for early polls.

Election to Odisha assembly is due in May-June, 2019 along with Lok Sabha polls. “BJD is always ready for elections. If there is early elections, as I have said we are always ready for it,” chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik said when his attention was drawn to the statement of Election Commissioner OP Rawat on the possibility of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies by the end of next year.

Several BJD leaders welcomed the possibility of general elections ahead of its scheduled saying that it would help the regional outfit. Rajya Sabha MP and BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb said, “the BJD is prepared to face elections anytime it comes.” He, however, said the Centre will have to decide when it wants to hold the Lok Sabha polls.