New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was today (Feb 6, 2004) dissolved, paving the way for early general elections.

President A P J Abdul Kalam signed the proclamation dissolving the 13th Lok Sabha accepting the Cabinet recommendation, a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said.

He signed the order under Article 85 of the Constitution dissolving the House with immediate effect.

The communique said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had called on the President on January 27 and conveyed the decision of the Cabinet to him for dissolution of the 13th Lok Sabha on Feb 6 after completing the Constitutional requirements relating to passing of votes on account (Railways and general) 2004-05 and Finance Bill 2004 and other exigencies of Government business by Feb 5.

The Prime Minister met the President last night and apprised him of the proceedings in Parliament, it said.

As necessary financial and other business have since been completed, the President has now accepted the recommendation and in exercise of the power conferred upon him by sub-clause (B) of clause (2) of Art 85 of the Constitution signed an order today dissolving the Lok Sabha with immediate effect.