Deadlock in Delhi continues, Lt Guv recommeds President's rule

New Delhi, Dec 16: Lieutenant

Najeeb Jung has recommended imposition of President's rule in Delhi among other options to break the deadlock over formation of a new government in Delhi after a hung verdict with no party ready to assume power.

Central rule with the Assembly being kept in suspended animation was one of the options listed by Jang in his report submitted to the President after having wide ranging consultations with BJP, the single largest party, followed by the Aam Aadmi Party, official sources said on Monday.

Congress has offered unconditional support to the AAP to form a government. Without disclosing the contents of the report, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters that the Lt Governor has given a few options.

Shinde: We are examining the report legally

"We are examining the report legally," he said. Sources said the Lt Governor in the report has communicated that none of the party is in a position to form the government and so far there is no clarity on government formation.

The report also noted that AAP leader Arvind Kerjriwal sought more time for further consultations. Hence, the Lt Governor has said, the President's rule should be imposed in Delhi by keeping the Assembly under suspended animation till any party or a combination of parties is able to form the government, sources said.

If no party comes forward to stake claim to form the government, the President's rule can be imposed in the next two days, sources said. "The meeting of the Union Cabinet, which will recommend imposition of President's rule by keeping the Assembly under suspended animation, can be convened at a short notice of two hours, a source said.

BJP(31) along with its ally Akali Dal got 32 seats in a House of 70 and was followed by AAP with 28 seats. Meanwhile, sources said, the President has notified the constitution of the new Delhi Assembly on December 10.

PTI