Parliament nod for Prez rule in Karnataka

New Delhi, Nov 26: Both the Houses of Parliament today approved Presidential proclamation bringing Karnataka under President's Rule and keeping the 224-member state Assembly under suspended animation to pave way for dissolution of the House to hold fresh elections.

The Resolution moved by Home Minister Shivraj Patil in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha provides for not just to bring the southern state under President's Rule but also to dissolve the assembly and announce dates for fresh elections. Both Houses approved the resolution through voice vote after detailed discussions.

In the Lok Sabha Mr Patil dwelt at length on the circumstances that led to the imposition of President's rule in the state after it was kept under suspended animation while he made a brief statement seeking the resolution to be passed.

The Rajya Sabha passed the resolution without much difficulty with all the political parties agreeing that the President's rule followed by an election would be the best option.

The BJP-JD(S) coalition which had staked claim to form a government was unable to prove its majority in the 224-member House.

No other party or a group was in a position to form the government.

The President then issued proclamation on November 20 under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution bringing the state under President's Rule.

Under the Constitution the Presidential Proclamation will have to be ratified by both Houses of Parliament within two months. UNI