Cabinet approves President's rule in Karnataka

Karnataka is back to where it was two weeks ago. With Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa tendering his resignation and no alternative government in place, the Central government has decided to impose President's rule in the state and also place the assembly under suspended animation.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet following a recommendation to this effect by Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur. The Governor had sent his report to the Cabinet soon after Yeddyurappa resigned from the post of chief minister, as he lacked the requisite numbers on the floor of the House.

The Governor had, however, not recommended the dissolution of the

House as he had done the previous time.

Even as the Governor recommended imposition of President's rule, it seems unlikely that the state will go in for elections. The Janata Dal-Secular is making all efforts to ensure that elections are not held in the state, as they fear a backlash from voters.

JD-S supreme H D Deve Gowda is New Delhi where he is expected to meet senior Congress leaders and explore the possibility of forming a government in Karnataka. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has made it clear that this time they would seek the mandate of the public. Yeddyurappa will embark upon a state wide tour shortly to inform people about JD-S' betrayal.