Cabinet may okay Prez Rule in J'khand

The Union Cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss the possibility of imposing President’s Rule in Jharkhand following Governor Syed Sibtey Razi’s reported recommendation to this effect.

The Union Cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss the possibility of imposing President’s Rule in Jharkhand following Governor Syed Sibtey Razi’s reported recommendation to this effect. In his report to the Centre, the Governor is also believed to have suggested that the Assembly be kept under suspended animation.

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Razi reportedly cited political instability in the state after the UPA failed to evolve a consensus on a successor to JMM leader Shibu Soren who had to step down as chief minister on January 12 after losing the assembly bypoll from Tamar. No other political formation has staked claim to form an alternative government.

UPA partners, including the Congress, RJD and Independent MLAs whose support is needed to keep the government afloat, did not accept Soren’s choice of Champai Soren as his successor. RJD chief Lalu Prasad — who has so far been opposing any move to bring the state under central rule — favoured re-instatement of Madhu Koda. This was not acceptable to Soren.

On its part, the Congress has been keen from the outset on a spell of President’s Rule in the state where it had to share the anti incumbency against the state government without getting the benefits of being in power. The Opposition BJP has also demanded President’s Rule in the state.