Updated on Monday, January 19, 2009, 00:00 IST

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi, Jan 19: Union Cabinet on Monday recommended President’s Rule in Jharkhand in view of the political deadlock ever since Shibu Soren stepped down as the Chief Minister owing to his defeat in Tamar bypolls.

According to reports, the Union Cabinet also decided to keep the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly under suspended mode till then.

The Cabinet meting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

The Cabinet’s decision has come in response to Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibtey Razi’s similar recommendations for the state in view of the political instability after JMM chief Shibu Soren’s quit as Chief Minister being defeated in the Tamar by-elections.

According to the political analysts, the Cabinet has decided to keep the Assembly under the suspended mode to keep alive the possibility of government formation.

The ruling UPA leadership in the tribal state led by Soren had failed to reach a consensus on a new Chief Minister ever since the JMM chief quit from the top post on January 12.

The Cabinet’s decision holds significance because ruling Congress has nine MLAs in the Assembly and the UPA cannot form a government without its support.

Moreover, the Independents and Lalu Prasad-led RJD had already rejected Seraikela legislator Champai Soren as Guruji's successor.