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The fortnight's burning question: Will the UPA government call for early elections?

Maybe. Venugopal Dhoot, President, ASSOCHAM
I think the present government will complete its term unless the issue of the nuclear deal precipitates a crisis within the UPA coalition. I don’t foresee early elections although every political party has started preparing for the next round of parliamentary elections.

No. Anand Sharma, Minister of State for External Affairs
We want to complete the full term. Both the UPA Chairperson and the Prime Minister are clear on that. In fact, Sonia Gandhi has already told Congress MPs that elections are a year away and that they should start spreading awareness about the various government initiatives, including the debt waiver, among the people.

No. Nilotpal Basu, Central Committee Member, CPI (M)
The UPA government will complete its term provided it functions within the parameters of the National Common Minimum Programme (CMP). As for the nuclear deal, there is a joint mechanism for it. And no party should make decisions outside it. At the same time, the Left parties are prepared to face early general elections if the government decides to advance them.

— Compiled by Manu Kaushik