Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ramvilas Paswan on Monday stayed away from a Union Cabinet meeting.

The meeting was likely to consider Bihar Governor Buta Singh's recommendation to impose President's rule in the state.
 
"I am not going to the Cabinet meeting as my party has been opposed to imposition of President's rule in the state, especially after the people have given their verdict and RJD has emerged as the single largest party," Lalu told reporters.

The minister said he will leave for Patna in the night.

Paswan, who was in Patna, could not reach the capital in time for the meeting.

With none of the major political combinations winning a clear mandate in Bihar, the governor has recommended Centre's rule in the state.

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