If the Centre clears the recommendation by Governor Rameshwar Thakur — to impose President’s Rule in the State — this will be the fifth instance of President’s Rule in Karnataka. The previous instances were in 1971, 1977, 1989 and 1990 (see box). The 12th Karnataka Legislative Assembly held its first sitting on June 9, 2004. It conducted 165 sittings in its 40 months of existence.

What’s it?
Article 356 of the Constitution of India deals with the failure of the Constitutional machinery of India. When the government in a State is not able to function as per the Constitution, the State comes under the direct control of the Central Government, exercised through the Governor of the State.

What happens?
When President's Rule is imposed, the Assembly is either dissolved or kept in suspended animation.