Vajpayee checked with Narayanan

MONTEGO BAY, FEB 12: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who was closely monitoring the Bihar situation during the last 24 hours, gave the go-ahead for President8217;s Rule in the State from here. Vajpayee spoke to President K R Narayanan on the telephone to ascertain his views on the subject before giving his nod.

Last September, the President had returned the Cabinet8217;s recommendation for Central Rule, among other things raising the need for issuing a warning to the State Government stipulated by the Supreme Court before exercising the powers under Article 356 of the Constitution. Vajpayee first gave an indication of his mind at a reception hosted for him by the Indian Ambassador in Jamaica. Talking to journalists, he said, 8220;Lagta hai ki ab kuch karna hi parega8221; Seems like something has to be done now. So when Home Minister L K Advani got in touch with him following Wednesday night8217;s massacre of 11 Dalits by the Ranabir Sena, Vajpayee authorised the Home Minister to preside over a meeting on Bihar. Overthe last 24 hours, Advani spoke to the PM at least four times. After the first Cabinet meeting, a 10-page facsimile was sent to the Prime Minister, which included the State Governor8217;s report and details of what the Ministers had said at the Cabinet meeting. Vajpayee sent back his approval. The second Cabinet meeting was called to send a formal recommendation to the President.