Parliament approves six-month extension of President's Rule in Jharkhand

New Delhi, July 17 (ANI): The extension of Presidential rule in Jharkhand by another six months has been approved by the Parliament, after the Government assured that the assembly polls would be held there "at the earliest opportunity".

"We will hold elections at the earliest opportunity. Whether the House is dissolved or kept in suspended animation, it is necessary to extend the President's rule", Home Minister P Chidambaram said in Rajya Sabha while replying to the discussion on the motion for extension of the Central rule.

Chidambaram said the ministry would write to the Election Commission to fix the date and when elections are announced, the assembly will be dissolved.

Later, the Rajya Sabha returned the Jharkhand Budget and the related Appropriation Bill to the Lok Sabha.

Jharkhand was placed under President's rule on January 19 and the term of the Central rule was to expire on July 18. Lok Sabha has already approved the extension. (ANI)