'President rule' for India state

India's cabinet has recommended direct rule in the eastern state of Jharkhand.

The state has been mired in a political crisis after the resignation of former chief minister Shibu Soren following his defeat in a state election.

The ruling coalition has failed to agree on a new chief minister following Mr Soren's resignation last week.

The cabinet move has to be now approved by the president. Jharkhand, which is also one of India's poorest states, has a history of political uncertainty.

The state governor had recommended direct rule in the state saying that the ruling coalition led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party had failed to agree on a new chief minister after Mr Soren's resignation.

Mr Soren stepped down on 12 January following his defeat in a state election.

His choice of his successor was rejected by other members of the coalition, leading to the crisis.