New Delhi: Paving the way for early polls, Jharkhand governor K. Sankaranarayanan has recommended the dissolution of the state assembly, which the Union cabinet is likely to consider next week.
Home ministry officials said the government had received the recommendation from the governor, who is of the opinion that the state is now ready for elections.
Suspended legislature: Jharkhand governor K.Sankaranarayanan. PIB
The ministry is preparing a note to be discussed by the Union cabinet, which will recommend to the President the dissolution of the 82-member state legislative assembly, which is now in suspended animation.
Once the assembly is dissolved, the process for holding the elections either in December or early next year, would be started by the Election Commission, said the officials. President’s rule is to expire on 18 January.
While seeking approval of President’s rule in Jharkhand, home minister P. Chidambaram told the Lok Sabha on 14 July that the government would hold assembly elections in the state after the monsoon.
“It is my desire that the new government should take over as soon as possible in Jharkhand. I am sure the election should be held soon after the monsoon,” he had said.
President’s rule was imposed in Jharkhand on 19 January for six months because of political instability created by the resignation of Shibu Soren as chief minister following his defeat in the assembly by-election from the Tamar constituency. It was extended for another six months till 18 January.