Jharkhand to put under President's rule

Days after Jharkhand Governor’s recommendation of President’s rule in the state, the Union Cabinet on Monday approved the impositions of President’s rule in the wake of deepening political crisis in the state. Also the Jharkhand Assembly will be allegedly kept in suspended animation.

In an unscheduled brief meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this morning, it was decided to impose Article 356 in the state to end the political impasse occurred after Chief Minister Shibu Soren resigned on January 12 following his failure to win a by-election.

Winning of a by-election within six months of taking over the power of the state was essential for the outgoing chief minister as he was appointed to the post of CM on August 27 last year, and not elected.

The Governor Syed Sibtey Razi on Friday had sent a detailed report, citing political instability in the state, to the Union government recommending President's rule in Jharkhand and putting the Assembly in suspended animation.

Such situation arose as the coalition government led by ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) could not reach a consensus on the name of a new chief minister after the JMM president Shibu Soren failed to enter the State Assembly by losing the by-polls from Tamar assembly constituency. He stepped down from the post on January 12 following his defeat to a political novice Gopal Krishan Patar alias Raja Peter of the Jharkhand Party on January 9, 2009.

The JMM chief had nominated his close associate Champai Soren, three-time MLA from Seraikela, as his successor which was disapproved by the coalition partners Congress, RJD, and some other Independent MLAs, not willing to accept Champai’s candidacy at any cost. While Shibu Soren rejected the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s attempts to field former chief minister Madhu Koda for the post. Thus deadlock continued and none of the political organizations showed interest in forming an alternate government in the state.

The main Opposition BJP had also met the Governor and demanded fresh elections, making the task of the Congress at the Centre easier. In the 81-member assembly, the JMM is the single largest party has strength of 17, while its alliance partners Congress and RJD have 9 and 7 MLAs respectively.