Bhubaneswar: Odisha may witness early Assembly Elections in the month of December 2023 along with several other states, a source said.

If the source is to be believed, a resolution might be passed in the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly to dissolve it in September.

If the Centre permits, polls to assembly seats in Odisha may take place in December along with five other states-- Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

The ruling BJD has initiated preparations in this regard. BJD MLAs and leaders have been instructed to strengthen party's organization in constituencies, monitor developmental projects and connect with voters, the source said.

The party was also weighing the victory probability of its leaders in their respective constituencies ahead of the possible elections, the source added.

"The holding of early elections in Odisha depends on the decision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He has the constitutional power to dissolve the Assembly as the BJD has majority in the House. However, the approval of the Election Commission is required for early polls. As Assembly Elections are slated to be held in five other states in December, the commission may give its nod for the same in Odisha too. Most importantly, the BJP-led Central Government's permission is needed," said senior journalist Rabi Das.