The by-polls to the 18 assembly constituencies and the Nellore Lok Sabha seat in AP would be held in May.

An indication to this effect was given by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Qureshi in his telephonic conversation with a leading Hyderabad based journalist on Monday.

The by polls were necessitated following the disqualification of 16 congress MLAs and the resignation of erstwhile PRP member Sobha Nagi Reddy. Nellore Congress MP Mr Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy also resigned to show his solidarity with the YSR Congress chief Mr YS Jaganmohan reddy.

By poll to the Tirupati assembly seat would also be held as the Tirupati MLA Chiranjeevi was elected to the Rajya Sabha. He is slated to quit the Tirupati seat today or tomorrow.

The CEC informed the journalist that the Commission has decided to hold the by polls before the June Presidential polls so that the newly elected members too would be able to participate in the Presidential polls.

The Commission members will soon meet and finalize the dates for the by polls. (J)