Maybe higher bits set in port a. Try

if((PORTA & 3) == 1)

And

if((PORTA & 3) == 2)

These pics can be programmed in low voltage mode or high voltage mode. You have chosen low voltage with #pragma config LVP = ON

In this mode, pin RB4 is not a programmable I/O and becomes a program mode select input. As it's not connected, the PIC might be in program mode - Unless you have a good reason, always use high voltage programming...... so

#pragma config LVP = OFF

Also, int minimum_step_count = 3; should probably be 4

Also maybe the higher bits set in port A are set. Try just looking at 2 bits

if((PORTA & 3) == 1) ...

if((PORTA & 3) == 2) ...

or better

while((PORTA & 3) == 1) ...

while((PORTA & 3) == 2) ...