The resignation comes shortly after his deputy Stephen Marandi put in his papers.

Ending the five-day long speculation on his continuance in the top post, Soren drove to the Raj Bhavan here to submit his resignation to Governor Syed Sibte Razi.

Razi accepted the resignation but asked Soren to discharge his duties till alternative arrangements are made.

"As per democratic tradition, I have put in the papers," Soren told reporters.

The Governor said he would look into the possibilities for an alternative after going into the Constitutional and legal norms and conventions.

He, however, did not spell out as to what options were open in the aftermath of the Chief Minister's resignation.