Centre approves President's Rule in Karnataka

The Central government on Tuesday decided to impose President's Rule in Karnataka. The state assembly would now be placed under suspended animation.

An official announcement in this regard was made by Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, sources said. 

"Governor Rameshwar Thakur, in his report, had placed both the facts before the President and recommended imposition of President's rule. The assembly has been kept under suspended animation because that was the only option open to us," Chidambaram told media persons.

The report of the Governor and the Cabinet's approval will now be placed before both Houses of Parliament in the winter session and once it is approved the state assembly can be dissolved.

"But it is up to the President. She may do it earlier if she feels there was enough ground or go through the normal procedure," he clarified.

The imposition of President's rule in Karnataka is likely to be announced late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, depending upon the convenience of the President Pratibha Patil.

Thakur had on Monday recommended imposition of President's rule and dissolution of the state assembly soon after Kumaraswamy resigned on being told by the Governor that he did not have the required numbers to win a trial of strength on the floor of the House following withdrawal of support by BJP to his government.

The ruling JDS-BJP alliance broke up after Kumaraswamy refused to transfer chief ministership to BJP under a power-sharing accord reached 20 months ago. Sections in the two parties had made last-minute attempts to revive their alliance, but the plan did not work.

Kumaraswamy had wanted an opportunity for a floor test, but the Governor bluntly told him that he did not have the legislative arithmetic in his favour and he better step down.

Additional Reportage: PTI