LG suggests Prez rule in Delhi, House under suspended animation

Rejecting the outgoing government's recommendation for dissolution of the Delhi Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung is today understood to have suggested imposition of President's rule by keeping the legislature under suspended animation.

In a report to the Centre, Jung did not favour dissolution of the 70-member Delhi Assembly as recommended by the council of ministers headed by Arvind Kejriwal when it met last night and decided to quit.

The LG's move keeps the option open for any political party or a combination of parties to try and form a government in future.

Sources said Jung has conveyed to the Centre that the national capital be brought under a spell of President's rule as no party is now in a position to form an alternative government.

The final call on the LG's recommendation will be taken by the Centre, the sources said.Home Ministry officials said they would take the opinion of the Law Ministry and place all the facts before the Union Cabinet for the final decision.

The Assembly elections late last year had given a split verdict with no political party getting absolute majority. The Aam Aadmi Party led by Kejriwal formed the government in December with Congress support.

The AAP government resigned yesterday after it suffered a defeat on the Janlokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly and recommended for fresh election by dissolving the House.

The LG has also sent, along with his report, the resignation letter of Arvind Kejriwal. The letter would be forwarded to the President for its acceptance.

Officials said Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who is away in Maharashtra, has been briefed about the LG's report.