Union Cabinet recommends dissolution of Delhi Assembly

New Delhi, Nov 4: Ending months of uncertainty, the Centre today recommended dissolution of the Delhi Assembly with immediate effect after BJP, AAP and Congress expressed their inability to form a government. Assembly elections in the national capital are likely to be held early next year.

"The Union Cabinet recommended dissolution of the Delhi Assembly with immediate effect," a senior Union Minister said after the brief meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The decision came after the Cabinet considered the report of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung in which he had suggested dissolution of the year-old Assembly after his meeting with the BJP, AAP and Congress.

Earlier, In an attempt to end the eight-month-long political uncertainty, Jung recommended the dissolution of the Delhi Assembly as major players BJP, AAP and Congress had expressed "inability" to form government and preferred holding of polls. The report by Jung paved the way for holding of fresh polls in the capital which is under President's Rule since February after the AAP government quit after ruling for 49 days.

On Monday, the LG had held consultations with political parties in the wake of the Supreme Court putting the issue on the fast track and giving him time till November 11 to explore the possibility of forming a government.

Sources said the LG had offered BJP a chance to form government but the party declined saying it does not have the numbers. They said the decision not to accept an offer by the Lt Governor to take a shot at power was taken at a meeting of top central leaders of the party on Sunday. The party felt it should go for polls as enthusiasm among the party workers has increased following victories in assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

PTI