The Union Cabinet on Monday recommended imposition of President's rule in Jharkhand in view of the political instability in the state.

The 81-member state assembly will be kept under suspended animation, official sources said after the brief unscheduled meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images].

The decision to impose Central rule has been taken on the basis of Governor Syed Sibtey Razi's report on the political deadlock in the state after Chief Minister Sibu Soren stepped down on January 12, when he failed to enter the state assembly through a by-election within six months of taking over the reins of the state.

Sources said the state assembly has been kept under suspended animation to keep options of government formation open.