The Union Cabinet on Monday evening approved the imposition of President's rule in Bihar.
The state legislative assembly has been put under suspended animation.
With none of the major political combinations winning a clear mandate in Bihar, Governor Buta Singh had on Sunday recommended Centre's rule in the state.
Two major players in Bihar politics -- Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ramvilas Paswan -- stayed away from the meeting.