NEWS

Karnataka assembly dissolved

By Vicky Nanjappa in Bangalore
November 29, 2007 01:18 IST

Sources told rediff.com that the President signed a proclamation dissolving the Karnataka Legislative Assembly late on Wednesday night, following an approval given by the Parliament.

The sources said elections will most likely to be held within six months. The decision by the Parliament was taken after the Union Cabinet gave its approval taking into account the fact that no party was able to form the government.

Karnataka witnessed its worst political crisis this year when the Janata Dal-Secular was to hand over power to the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, after much drama power was finally handed over to the BJP. However, BJP's B S Yeddyurappa stepped down as chief minister after the JD-S issued a whip to vote against him.

Immediately after this development, the Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur recommended the imposition of President's rule. The Parliament ratified President's rule for the second time in Karnataka in barely a month.

The Union Cabinet then recommended the dissolution of the assembly. In Parliament, the issue was debated and all parties including the JD-S were unanimous while seeking dissolution of the House.

H D Deve Gowda, seen as the villain in the entire political drama, also went on to say in Parliament that it could be his last speech in Parliament.

The stage is now set for the big battle with all parties gearing up for polls. Election Commission sources said that the polls would be held in April as the situation is most conducive in that month since schools will be closed after the final examinations. Most of the government schools are used as polling stations.

Vicky Nanjappa in Bangalore

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