Tuesday, August 2 2005 21:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Amidst a walkout by Opposition NDA (National Democratic Alliance), Parliament tonight (Aug 2, 2005) approved extension of President's Rule in Bihar by another six months beyond September seven.

The passage of the statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha, moved by Home Minister Shivraj Patil, followed much acrimony between the Opposition and Treasury benches with Leader of the Opposition L K Advani opposing it saying the step would "add to the long list" of central rule being wrongly imposed in states.

"We will not be party to this voting at all", Advani said in the House before leading a walkout by the NDA.

The Lok Sabha also rejected a motion moved by JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar by 172 to 100 votes, with three members abstaining.

The motion had expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state under central rule and also on the developments arising out of Chief Secretary G S Kang proceeding on long leave.

Replying to a marathon debate on the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar and extension of President's Rule for another six months, Patil strongly defended the Governor's recommendation for dissolution of the Assembly saying he was left with no option as no party or group was in a position to form a stable Government.

Patil, whose reply was repeatedly interrupted by an angry BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-led Opposition, said the Governor had taken the decision to prevent horse-trading as he was convinced on the basis of numbers that a popular Government could not be put in place.

Rajya Sabha had approved extension of President's Rule in Bihar yesterday (Aug 1, 2005).