NEW DELHI: : Minutes after the suspense over the case of 32 MPs ended, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee sprang a bigger surprise -- an end to the Budget session four days ahead of schedule. The Rajya Sabha, which is still in session, is expected to follow suit on Tuesday.

A surprised CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta protested as the Speaker started recapitulating the business transacted during the session. An equally surprised JD(U) leader Prabhunath Singh also tried to make himself heard, but in vain. However, Leader of the Opposition LK Advani and the members on BJP benches remained quiet, indicating that the Government had talked it over to the principal opposition party.

The two parties are understood to have agreed on an early sine die adjournment so that they could give their undivided attention to Karnataka, where the first phase of polling is scheduled for May 10.

editor@expressindia.com