By IANS,
New Delhi : The union cabinet Thursday decided to extend president’s rule in Jharkhand for another six months beyond July 18.
The decision was taken on the basis of Governor Syed Sibtey Razi’s report dated June 16, according to which Jharkhand continues to be in a state of political impasse and no party was willing to form the government, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
President’s rule was imposed in Jharkhand Jan 19 this year following the collapse of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha government.
The state came under president’s rule after then chief minister Shibu Soren lost a key by-poll from Tamar assembly constituency, which was necessary for him to win to continue in power as per the law. Following his stepping down, there could be no consensus on the leadership of an alternative government.
The state assembly was kept in suspended animation. Over eight months are still left for the Jharkhand assembly and the state is scheduled to go to polls in March next year.