M A I N   N E W S

Karnataka to dissolve House on Feb 23

Bangalore, February 16
Ending days of speculation, the Congress government today decided to seek dissolution of the state Assembly on February 23, eight months ahead of its term, to pave the way for holding simultaneous elections.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers, which followed that of the Cabinet, unanimously decided to seek dissolution and request Governor T.N. Chaturvedi to take appropriate steps, Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who had maintained suspense on the issue for weeks together, told reporters.

“As Chief Minister, I am sending you this letter that the Legislative Assembly be dissolved on Monday, February 23,” he said, reading out the letter addressed to the Governor.

Today’s decision ends the suspense over the issue whether the Congress government would opt for early elections, as Mr Krishna had kept the cards close to his chest all the time, merely saying, “only time will tell.”

Mr Krishna admitted that the need for early Assembly elections would not have arisen had the NDA government opted for Lok Sabha elections on schedule. “Since the NDA forced the elections, we have decided to curtail our tenure, which was till October 24”.

But, he said, “the opportunity has come our way without asking. We thought we should combine the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections”.

Mr Krishna said the primary reason for the decision was the Congress’ confidence of returning to power, adding his government also did not want extra burden on the common man in terms of election expenditure.

Asked when he would meet the Governor, he said he would seek an appointment, but sources close to Chief Minister said he was expected to hand over the letter on February 23.

On synchronising the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, he said: “Much more than advantage or disadvantage, we want to set a precedent”, noting simultaneous elections were held in 1989, 1994 and 1999. “Then the rhythm got displaced. Now an opportunity has come our way without asking”. — PTI