Jharkhand is all set to witness a spell of President’s rule when the Union Cabinet meets on Monday to consider Governor Syed Sibtey Razi’s recommendation, in the backdrop of a political deadlock in the state. The Assembly, however, is likely to be kept under suspended animation, to keep the option of government formation by UPA partners open, sources said.

An unscheduled meeting of the Union Cabinet has been convened on Monday ostensibly to take a decision over imposing President’s rule in the state based on the Governor’s report in which he had reportedly pointed out that no political formation in the state was in a position to form an alternative government following Chief Minister Shibu Soren’s resignation on January 12.

Though the Governor’s report is learnt to have reached on Friday, the Cabinet meet was delayed as Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was away in Japan. He is scheduled to reach here late on Sunday evening.

UPA partners want the Assembly to be kept under suspended animation as they are hopeful of reaching a consensus over a name for the Chief Minister’s post. Sources said that none of the UPA partners - JMM, RJD and Congress- are in favour of early election fearing that it would extend advantage to opposition NDA. The BJP has been demanding early election in the state under President’s rule.

The RJD on Saturday demanded that it should be given a chance to head the UPA government in the state.