Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called an emergency meeting of his Telugu Desam Party on Thursday.
Speculation is rife in Hyderabad that Naidu has made up his mind to call an early assembly election in the state. Thursday's meeting could well be a prelude to Naidu recommending the assembly's dissolution to the governor.
Earlier report: Naidu may call early polls in AP
Naidu has in the past few days unveiled a series of populist schemes, leaving nobody in any doubt about his intentions.
With the administration on its toes, the TDP leader has turned his attention to gearing up his party for the election. Sources in the party said mid-February is the time Naidu has his eyes on.
Over 6,000 partymen, including MPs, MLAs, politburo members and officer-bearers of district units, will attend Thursday's meeting.
The TDP hopes to harness the perceived sympathy for the chief minister in the wake of the bid on his life by People's War ultras in Tirupati on October 1.
Also see: Andhra CM hurt in Tirumala bomb blast
Naidu on Monday held a meeting with the party's district unit chiefs to review arrangements for the meeting.
Sensing Naidu's mood, the main opposition Congress party too has summoned its state unit leaders to Delhi to discuss the poll strategy.