Parliament on Tuesday approved by a voice vote the extension of President's Rule for another six months in Karnataka, which goes for assembly elections next month.

Coverage: Battleground Karnataka

The extension became necessary as the current term of the President's Rule will expire on May 19, but the election process would be completed only by May 28.

The Statutory Motion was placed in both the Houses by Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

While moving the motion for approval in the Lok Sabha, Patil said President's Rule had been imposed in the state in November 2007 as no party or coalition of parties were in a position to form the government.

It would come to an end on May 19, days before the completion of the election process and therefore it became necessary to go for the extension, he said.

He said that as per the Constitution, President's Rule could be extended for at least six months under Article 356 but may be revoked any time, he pointed out.

The Election Commission had announced Assembly polls in the state in three phases -- on May 10 for 89 Assembly constituencies, on May 16 for 66 and on May 22 for 69 seats. Counting for all the seats would be held on May 25 and the election process completed by May 28, he informed.

The House passed the resolution by a voice vote. It had been passed by the Rajya Sabha earlier in the day.