Govt discusses Guv's recommendation, BJP protests begin

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs will meet today to discuss Karnataka governor H R Bhardwaj's recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the state.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs will meet on Saturday to discuss Karnataka governor H R Bhardwaj's recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the state.

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The meeting, which was also held last night, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh discussed the "special report" sent by the governor, who also recommended keeping the Assembly in suspended animation contending that there was breakdown of Constitutional machinery.

The CCPA discussion took place amid indications that the government was not in a hurry to accept the Governor's recommendation.

Sources even suggested that it could be rejected.

With BJP threatening to hit the streets, the Centre was expected to take a decision on the issue.

The governor, who has been asked by the state Cabinet to convene a session of the Assembly in early June, has refused to do so indicating that he was expecting a decision from the Centre in a couple of days.

Earlier in the day official sources said a decision on the governor's recommendation will be taken at the highest level of the Central government.

It is learnt that since the Centre is not in favour of dismissing the BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government in the southern state, the report was not taken up for discussion at yesterday's meeting of Union Cabinet.

A formal communication from the Centre to the Governor is expected to pave the way for convening a session of the Assembly that has been demanded by Yeddyurappa, sources said.

Karnataka Congress delegation led by AICC incharge of state Madhusudhan Mistry, earlier in the day, met home minister P Chidambaram and submitted a memorandum with a request for "suitable action" in the light of Supreme Court's judgement.

The BJP on Friday staged a dharna in Bangalore against Bhardwaj demanding his approval for convening of Legislature session.

The ruling party also set a five-day deadline for recall of the governor and decided to intensify the campaign for his removal, accusing him of trying to rule the state.