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 President’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 Cabinet’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, “Lagta hai ki ab kuch karna hi parega” (Seems like something has to be done now). So when Home Minister L K Advani got in touch with him following Wednesday night’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 Governor’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.