The Orissa assembly was dissolved on Friday nearly a year ahead of its term, paving the way for holding of Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously in the state.

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Governor M M Rajendran signed the proclamation dissolving the House, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said.

Earlier, the council of ministers passed a resolution recommending dissolution of the House to facilitate holding of simultaneous elections.

Shortly after, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, accompanied by the leader of BJP Legislature Party and Revenue Minister Biswabhushan Harichandan, drove to the Raj Bhavan to apprise the governor about the decision.

Governor asked Patnaik to continue in office with his council of ministers as a caretaker government till the elections were held and new council of ministers appointed.