New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s claims to the contrary notwithstanding, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today (Dec 23, 2003) said early Lok Sabha polls cannot be ruled out and asked party men to be prepared and ready for the "coming challenge".

"The next few months will see elections in Andhra Pradesh. We also cannot rule out the possibility of the Lok Sabha polls being advanced," she said addressing the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP).

Gandhi said she was aware that a great deal of disappointment existed among the party men after the recent setback in the Assembly Elections.

"It does not help carry on in this mood. We have to step out of it. We have to be totally prepared and ready ourselves for the coming challenge. Steps to put together election management teams and strategies are already being taken. You will be kept fully informed and involved," she said.

Apparently referring to the infighting in the party, Gandhi said "when our great party faces many challenges, the need for each and everyone of us to work collectively and cohesively in a self-less spirit of cooperation is paramount."